Closed male luer connector

ABSTRACT

A fluid flow connector including a housing assembly, having a first end and a second end arranged along a common longitudinal axis, and a resilient fluid flow conduit member having a forward end, disposed alongside the first end of the housing assembly, formed with a selectably closable slit and with at least one side opening. The resilient fluid flow conduit member is positionable in a closed position wherein the slit is closed but the at least one side opening is open and in an open position, allowing the slit to open and leaving the at least one side opening open, whereby when the resilient fluid flow conduit member is in the open position, the selectably closable slit and the at least one side opening each provide a fluid flow pathway between an interior of the resilient fluid flow conduit member and the first end of the housing assembly.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Reference is made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/259,703, filed Nov. 10, 2009 and entitled “VALVED LUER CONNECTOR”, toU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/290,523, filed Dec. 29,2009 and entitled “VALVED LUER CONNECTOR”, and to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/162,305, filed Mar. 22, 2009 and entitled“VALVED MALE LUER CONNECTORS”, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference and priority of which is hereby claimedpursuant to 37 CFR 1.78(a) (4) and (5)(i).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fluid flow connectors and moreparticularly to fluid flow connectors for medical applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following publications are believed to represent the current stateof the art:

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,699,821; 6,068,011; 6,039,302; 6,706,022; 6,745,998;6,964,406; 7,044,441; 7,100,890; 7,104,520; 7,140,592; 7,182,313;7,306,198; 7,497,848; 7,530,546 and 7,559,530.

U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2007/0088324; 2007/10088324; 2008/183155and 2009/0177170.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved fluid flow connector.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention a fluid flow connector including a housing assemblyhaving a first end and a second end arranged along a common longitudinalaxis and a resilient fluid flow conduit member disposed within thehousing assembly, the resilient fluid flow conduit member having aforward end disposed alongside the first end of the housing assembly,the forward end being formed with a selectably closable slit and with atleast one side opening, the resilient fluid flow conduit member beingpositionable in a closed position wherein the slit is closed but the atleast one side opening is open and the resilient fluid flow conduitmember being positionable in an open position, thereby allowing the slitto open and leaving the at least one side opening open, whereby when theresilient fluid flow conduit member is in the open position, theselectably closable slit and the at least one side opening each providea fluid flow pathway between an interior of the resilient fluid flowconduit member and the first end of the housing assembly.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a fluid flow connector including a housingassembly having an externally threaded end and an internally threadedend arranged along a common longitudinal axis at opposite ends thereofand a resilient fluid flow conduit member disposed within the housingassembly and arranged for displacement along the common longitudinalaxis, the resilient fluid flow conduit member defining a fluid flowpathway extending interiorly thereof along the longitudinal axis betweena rearward end thereof adjacent the externally threaded end of thehousing assembly and a forward end thereof adjacent the internallythreaded end of the housing assembly. The resilient fluid flow conduitmember has at least one opening at the forward end thereof, enablingfluid communication between the fluid flow pathway and a locationoutside of the forward end, and a displacement engagement locationformed rearwardly of the forward end for engagement of the resilientfluid flow conduit member by a displacement actuator to provide rearwarddisplacement of the resilient fluid flow conduit member relative to thehousing assembly between a closed position and an open position alongthe longitudinal axis. The resilient fluid flow conduit member also hasa generally cylindrical portion extending rearwardly of the displacementengagement location and having a forward part and a rearward part and aradially outwardly extending tensionable connecting portion integrallyjoined to the generally cylindrical portion at a joining locationrearwardly spaced from the displacement engagement location intermediatethe forward part and the rearward part.

There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a fluid flow connector including ahousing assembly having a first end and a second end arranged along acommon longitudinal axis, a rigid fluid flow conduit member disposedwithin the housing assembly, the rigid fluid flow conduit member havinga forward end disposed alongside the first end of the housing assembly,a forward resilient selectable sealing element associated with theforward end of the rigid fluid flow conduit member, the forwardresilient selectable sealing element being formed with a selectablyclosable slit and a rearward resilient displacement biasing elementassociated with the rigid fluid flow conduit member and with the housingassembly for urging the rigid fluid flow conduit member and the forwardresilient selectable sealing member forwardly into engagement with thefirst end of the housing assembly, thereby closing the selectablyclosable slit.

There is even further provided in accordance with still anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention a fluid flow connectorincluding a housing assembly having a first end and a second endarranged along a common longitudinal axis, a resilient member disposedwithin the housing assembly, the resilient member having a forward enddisposed alongside the first end of the housing assembly, the forwardend being formed with a selectably closable slit and with at least oneside opening and a rigid fluid flow conduit member being fixedlydisposed within the resilient member and adapted for displacement alongthe longitudinal axis together therewith. The resilient member ispositionable in a closed position wherein the slit is closed but the atleast one side opening is open and in an open position, allowing theslit to open and leaving the at least one side opening open. When theresilient member is in the open position, the selectably closable slitand the at least one side opening each provide a fluid flow pathwaybetween an interior of the resilient member and the first end of thehousing assembly.

There is yet further provided in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention a fluid flow connector including ahousing assembly having an externally threaded end and an internallythreaded end arranged along a common longitudinal axis at opposite endsthereof, a resilient member disposed within the housing assembly andarranged for displacement along the common longitudinal axis and a rigidfluid flow conduit member disposed within the resilient member. Therigid fluid flow conduit member defines a fluid flow pathway extendinginteriorly thereof along the longitudinal axis between a rearwardlyfacing end thereof adjacent the externally threaded end of the housingassembly and a forwardly facing end thereof adjacent the internallythreaded end of the housing assembly. The rigid fluid flow conduitmember is fixedly disposed within the resilient member and adapted fordisplacement along the longitudinal axis together therewith. Theresilient member has at least one opening at a forward end thereof,enabling fluid communication between the fluid flow pathway and alocation outside of the forward end and a displacement engagementlocation formed rearwardly of the forward end for engagement of theresilient member by a displacement actuator to provide rearwarddisplacement of the resilient member relative to the housing assemblybetween a closed position and an open position along the longitudinalaxis. The resilient member also has a generally cylindrical portionextending rearwardly of the displacement engagement location and havinga forward part and a rearward part and a radially outwardly extendingtensionable connecting portion integrally joined to the generallycylindrical portion at a joining location rearwardly spaced from thedisplacement engagement location intermediate the forward part and therearward part.

There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a fluid flow connector including ahousing assembly having a first end and a second end arranged along acommon longitudinal axis, a forward resilient member locked within thehousing assembly, the forward resilient member having a forward enddisposed alongside the first end, the forward end including at least twoslit wall portions defining a selectably closable slit therebetween, arigid fluid flow conduit member at least partially disposed within theforward resilient member rearwardly of the forward end and a rearwardresilient displacement biasing element associated with the rigid fluidflow conduit member and with the housing assembly. The rigid fluid flowconduit, member is positionable in a forward position in engagement withthe at least two slit wall portions of the forward resilient member,causing the slit to be closed and in a rearward position out ofengagement with the at least two slit wall portions of the forwardresilient member, causing the slit to be open.

There is further provided in accordance with still another preferredembodiment of the present invention a fluid flow connector including ahousing assembly having a first end and a second end arranged along acommon longitudinal axis, a forward conduit and actuator element atleast partially disposed within the housing assembly, the forwardconduit and actuator element having a forward edge, a resilient fluidflow conduit sealing and biasing element locked within the forwardconduit and actuator element, the resilient fluid flow conduit sealingand biasing element having a forward end positioned alongside theforward edge, the forward end being formed with a selectably closableslit extending along the longitudinal axis and a rigid fluid flowconduit member disposed within the resilient fluid flow conduit sealingand biasing element. The forward conduit and actuator element and theresilient fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing element arepositionable in a forward position wherein the selectably closable slitis closed and in a rearward position, wherein the rigid fluid flowconduit member at least partially extends through the selectablyclosable slit, causing the selectably closable slit to open.

Preferably, the resilient fluid flow conduit member is arranged fordisplacement between the closed position and the open position along thecommon longitudinal axis. Additionally or alternatively, the selectablyclosable slit extends along the longitudinal axis.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thefirst end is an internally threaded end and the second end is anexternally threaded end. Alternatively or additionally, the at least oneside opening extends generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the resilient fluid flow conduit member is pre-tensioned andthereby urged to the closed position. Additionally, the resilient fluidflow conduit member is displaceable, against the urging produced by itsbeing pre-tensioned, to the open position.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theresilient fluid flow conduit member includes a displacement engagementlocation formed rearwardly of the forward end for engagement of theresilient fluid flow conduit member by a displacement actuator toprovide rearward displacement of the resilient fluid flow conduit memberrelative to the housing assembly along the longitudinal axis, agenerally cylindrical portion extending rearwardly of the displacementengagement location and having a forward part and a rearward part and aradially outwardly extending tensionable connecting portion integrallyjoined to the generally cylindrical portion at a joining locationrearwardly spaced from the displacement engagement location intermediatethe forward part and the rearward part. Additionally, the tensionableconnecting portion terminates in a generally circularly cylindricalmounting portion. Additionally, the generally circularly cylindricalmounting portion is locked within the housing assembly intermediate thefirst end and the second end.

Preferably, the resilient fluid flow conduit member is formed with anelongate bore which defines a fluid flow conduit and the slit and the atleast one side opening communicate with the elongate bore.

Preferably, when the resilient fluid flow conduit member is positionedin the closed position, the forward end engages a forward conduit havinga forwardly facing aperture, thereby closing the slit but leaving the atleast one side opening open for fluid communication between an interiorof the resilient fluid flow conduit member and an exterior of theresilient fluid flow conduit member within the forward conduit, therebysealing the forwardly facing aperture. Alternatively or additionally,when the resilient fluid flow conduit member is positioned in the openposition, the forward end does not engage the forward conduit, therebyallowing the slit to open and leaving the at least one side opening openfor fluid communication between the interior of the resilient fluid flowconduit member and the exterior of the resilient fluid flow conduitmember within the forward conduit and thereby unsealing the forwardlyfacing aperture.

Preferably, the forward conduit is formed with an interior bore having aforwardly tapered portion. Additionally, when the resilient fluid flowconduit member is positioned in the closed position, the forward endsealingly engages the forwardly tapered portion of the interior bore,thereby squeezing the forward end transversely to the longitudinal axisand thereby closing the slit and sealing the aperture but leaving the atleast one side opening open for fluid communication between the interiorof the resilient fluid flow conduit member and the exterior thereofwithin the interior bore of the forward conduit. Alternatively oradditionally, when the resilient fluid flow conduit member is positionedin the open position, the forward end is rearwardly positioned out ofengagement with the forwardly tapered portion of the interior bore,thereby unsealing the forwardly facing aperture, and thereby allowingthe slit to open and leaving the at least one side opening open, therebyproviding fluid communication between the elongate bore of the resilientfluid flow conduit member, the exterior of the resilient fluid flowconduit member, the interior bore of the forward conduit and theforwardly facing aperture, both via the slit and via the at least oneside opening.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thedisplacement actuator is arranged to be displaced rearwardly along thelongitudinal axis by engagement therewith of a rearwardly facing end ofan external conduit, which engages the first end.

Preferably, the resilient fluid flow conduit member is symmetric aboutthe longitudinal axis in all respects other than with respect to theslit and the at least one side opening. Additionally or alternatively,the forward end is formed with a forwardly tapered portion and with atip portion, forwardly of the forwardly tapered portion, the tip portionhaving an oval cross section, which is compressible into a circularcross section and the slit extends through the forwardly tapered portionand through the tip portion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention whenthe resilient fluid flow conduit member is positioned in the closedposition, axial pressure engagement of the forwardly tapered portion ofthe forward end with the forwardly tapered portion of the interior boreof the forward conduit is operative to squeeze the forward end of theresilient fluid flow conduit member transversely to the longitudinalaxis, thereby closing the slit and changing a generally ovalconfiguration of the forwardly tapered portion of the resilient fluidflow conduit member to a generally circular configuration. Additionallyor alternatively, when the resilient fluid flow conduit member ispositioned in the open position, elimination of axial pressureengagement of the forwardly tapered portion of the forward end with theforwardly tapered portion of the interior bore of the forward conduitcauses the forward end of the resilient fluid flow conduit member to nolonger be squeezed transversely to the longitudinal axis, therebyallowing the slit to open and allowing the cross section of the taperedportion to return to the generally oval configuration.

Preferably, the first end of the housing assembly is formed with aforwardmost flange and rearwardly tapered mutually spaced generallyaxial ribs extending rearwardly from the flange. In accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, the forward conduit isjoined to an inwardly facing wall of the housing assembly by a pluralityof radially extending ribs.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theresilient fluid flow conduit member is formed with a sealing ringextending radially outward therefrom, slightly rearwardly of the forwardend. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient fluid flow conduitmember is formed with a radially outer sealing surface extendingradially outward from a rearward end thereof.

Preferably, the housing assembly includes a rearward conduit extendingforwardly from the second end.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theradially outer sealing surface of the resilient fluid flow conduitmember and an inner facing surface of the rearward conduit are inslidable sealing engagement, the sealing engagement preventing fluidwhich enters the fluid flow connector via the rearward conduit fromentering a volume rearward of the connecting portion, thereby preventingthe volume from acting as a “dead space” which could undesirably retainthe fluid. Additionally, the sealing ring of the resilient fluid flowconduit member and the interior bore of the forward conduit are inslidable sealing engagement, the sealing engagement preventing fluidwhich passes through the slit and the at least one side opening fromentering a volume within the interior bore rearward of the sealing ring,thereby preventing the volume from acting as a “dead space” which couldundesirably retain the fluid. In accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention, the slidable sealing engagement between theradially outer sealing surface of the resilient fluid flow conduitmember and an inner facing surface of the rearward conduit and theslidable sealing engagement between the sealing ring of the resilientfluid flow conduit member and the interior bore of the forward conduittogether maintain a pressurized fluid seal for pressurized fluid in therearward conduit and in the resilient fluid flow conduit member.

Preferably, when the resilient fluid flow conduit member is positionedin the open position, a fluid flow connection is open for fluid suppliedvia the second end and the resilient fluid flow conduit member to thefirst end via the slit and the at least one side opening.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thetensionable connecting portion terminates in a generally circularlycylindrical mounting portion.

Preferably, the resilient fluid flow conduit member defines a generallyincompressible fluid flow pathway extending axially along an interiorthereof between the rearward end thereof and the forward end thereof.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theat least one opening at the forward end thereof includes a selectablyclosable slit extending along the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the resilient fluid flow conduit member is formed with anelongate bore which defines a fluid flow conduit and the at least oneopening communicates with the elongate bore.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, therigid fluid flow conduit member is arranged for displacement along thecommon longitudinal axis. Additionally, the forward resilient selectablesealing element is arranged for displacement along the commonlongitudinal axis and the selectably closable slit extends along thelongitudinal axis.

Preferably, the first end is an internally threaded end and the secondend is an externally threaded end. Additionally or alternatively, therearward resilient displacement biasing element is arranged for partialdisplacement along the common longitudinal axis.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, therearward resilient displacement biasing element is formed with agenerally cylindrical portion and the generally cylindrical portion isformed with an elongate bore. Additionally or alternatively, the rigidfluid flow conduit member includes a cylindrical portion formed with afluid conduit defining bore, having a forward part and a rearward part,and a circumferential actuator portion. Additionally, the rearward partis partially sealingly disposed within the elongate bore.

Preferably, the rigid fluid flow conduit member is arranged to bedisplaced rearwardly along the longitudinal axis by engagement of arearwardly facing end of an external conduit with the actuator portion.In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theexternal conduit threadably engages the internally-threaded end.

Preferably, the forward resilient selectable sealing element is arrangedalong the longitudinal axis and is sealingly disposed over the forwardpart of the cylindrical portion of the rigid fluid flow conduit member.Additionally or alternatively, the forward resilient selectable sealingelement is formed with an elongate bore and has a forward sectionextending forwardly of the elongate bore, the forward section beingdisposed alongside the first end. Additionally, the forward section isformed with an interior bore.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thehousing assembly includes a forward conduit integrally formed therewith,the forward conduit being formed with an interior bore having aforwardly tapered portion and a forwardly facing aperture. Additionallyor alternatively, the rearward resilient displacement biasing element ispre-tensioned and thereby urges the rigid fluid flow conduit member andthe forward resilient selectable sealing element associated therewith,forwardly along the longitudinal axis to a closed position.

Preferably, when the fluid flow connector is in the closed position, theforward section sealingly engages the forwardly tapered portion of theinterior bore, thereby squeezing the forward section transversely to thelongitudinal axis, thereby sealing the forwardly facing aperture andclosing the slit.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,rearward displacement of the rigid fluid flow conduit member producescorresponding rearward displacement of the rearward resilientdisplacement biasing element along the longitudinal axis and alsoproduces rearward displacement of the forward resilient selectablesealing element such that the forward section moves rearwardly out ofengagement with the forwardly tapered portion of the interior bore,thereby allowing the slit to open and unsealing the forwardly facingaperture, thereby positioning the fluid flow connector in an openposition and thereby providing fluid communication between the fluidconduit defining bore, the interior bore of the forward section and anexterior thereof, the interior bore of the forward conduit and theforwardly facing aperture.

Preferably, the housing assembly includes a rearward conduit extendingforwardly from the second end along the axis. Additionally oralternatively, the rearward resilient displacement biasing element alsoincludes a tensionable connecting portion extending radially outwardlytherefrom, the tensionable connecting portion being in the form of adisc when in an unstressed condition and terminating in a generallycircularly cylindrical mounting portion. Additionally, the rearwardresilient displacement biasing element is maintained in a pre-tensionedstate wherein the generally circularly cylindrical mounting portion islocked within the housing assembly intermediate the first end and thesecond end.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theforward section is formed with a tapered portion and with a tip portion,forwardly of the tapered portion, the tip portion having an oval crosssection, which is compressible into a circular cross section and theslit extends through the tapered portion and through the tip portion.

Preferably, when the fluid flow connector is in the closed position,axial pressure engagement of the tapered portion of the forward sectionwith the forwardly tapered portion of the interior bore of the forwardconduit is operative to squeeze the forward section transversely to thelongitudinal axis, thereby closing the slit and changing the crosssection of the tip portion from the oval cross section to the circularcross section. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, when the fluid flow connector in the open position,elimination of axial pressure engagement of the tapered portion of theforward section with the forwardly tapered portion of the interior boreof the forward conduit causes the forward section to no longer besqueezed transversely to the longitudinal axis, thereby allowing theslit to open and allowing the tip portion to return to the oval crosssection.

Preferably, the rearward resilient displacement biasing element isformed with a radially outer sealing surface extending radially outwardfrom a rearward end thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the forwardresilient selectable sealing element is formed with a sealing ringextending radially outward of the forward end and slightly rearwardlythereof.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theradially outer sealing surface and an inner facing surface of therearward conduit are in slidable sealing engagement, the sealingengagement preventing fluid which enters the fluid flow connector viathe rearward conduit from entering a volume rearward of the connectingportion, thereby preventing the volume from acting as a “dead space”which could undesirably retain the fluid. Preferably, the sealing ringand the interior bore of the forward conduit are in slidable sealingengagement, the sealing engagement preventing fluid which passes throughthe slit from entering a volume within the interior bore rearward of thesealing ring, thereby preventing the volume from acting as a “deadspace” which could undesirably retain the fluid.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theslidable sealing engagement between the radially outer sealing surfaceand the inner facing surface of the rearward conduit and between thesealing ring and the interior bore of the forward conduit togethermaintain a pressurized fluid seal for pressurized fluid in the forwardconduit, the fluid conduit defining bore and the interior bore of theforward section. Preferably, engagement of the external conduit with thefirst end rearwardly displaces the rigid fluid flow conduit member,producing corresponding rearward displacement of the rearward resilientdisplacement biasing element along the axis, resulting in increasedtensioning of the tensionable connecting portion.

Preferably, when the fluid flow connector is in the open position, afluid flow connection is open for fluid supplied via the second end andthe rigid fluid flow conduit member to the first end via the slit.

Preferably, the forward resilient selectable sealing element is alsofaulted with at least one side opening which extends generallyperpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, the at least oneside opening communicates with an interior of the forward resilientselectable sealing element and with an interior of the rigid fluid flowconduit member.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, whenthe fluid flow connector is in the open position, a fluid flowconnection is open for fluid supplied via the second end and the rigidfluid flow conduit member to the first end via the slit and the at leastone side opening. Preferably, when the fluid flow connector is in theclosed position, the forward section sealingly engages the forwardlytapered portion of the interior bore, squeezing the forward sectiontransversely to the longitudinal axis, thereby sealing the forwardlyfacing aperture and closing the slit but and leaving the at least oneside opening open for fluid communication between the fluid conduitdefining bore, the interior bore of the forward resilient selectablesealing element and an exterior thereof, the interior bore of theforward conduit and the forwardly facing aperture.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,rearward displacement of the rigid fluid flow conduit member producescorresponding rearward displacement of the rearward resilientdisplacement biasing element along the longitudinal axis and alsoproduces rearward displacement of the forward resilient selectablesealing element such that the forward section moves rearwardly out ofengagement with the forwardly tapered portion of the interior bore tothe open position, thereby unsealing the forwardly facing aperture andallowing the slit to open and leaving the at least one side openingopen, whereby both the slit and the at least one side opening providefluid communication between the fluid conduit defining bore, theinterior bore of the forward resilient selectable sealing element and anexterior thereof, the interior bore of the forward conduit and theforwardly facing aperture.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thesealing ring and the interior bore of the forward conduit are inslidable sealing engagement, the sealing engagement preventing fluidwhich passes through the slit and the at least one side opening fromentering a volume within the interior bore rearward of the sealing ring,thereby preventing the volume from acting as a “dead space” which couldundesirably retain the fluid.

Preferably, the rearward resilient displacement biasing element is anintegrally formed silicone rubber element which is symmetric about thelongitudinal axis. Additionally or alternatively, the housing assemblyincludes rearwardly tapered mutually spaced generally axial ribs on anexterior thereof.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theforward conduit is joined to an inwardly facing circularly cylindricalwall of the housing assembly by a plurality of radially extending ribs.Preferably, the actuator portion includes a transverse wall disposed ata location intermediate the forward part and the rearward part, and apair of cylindrical sections which extend forwardly of the wall and formpart of an imaginary cylinder aligned about the axis, the cylindricalsections defining forwardly facing engagement surfaces.

Preferably, the forward resilient member also includes a generallycylindrical portion which remains generally static with respect to thehousing assembly irrespective of whether the slit is open or closed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, therearward resilient displacement biasing element is arranged for partialdisplacement between the forward position and the rearward positionalong the common longitudinal axis.

Preferably, when the rigid fluid flow conduit member is positioned inthe rearward position wherein the rigid fluid flow conduit member isengaged by a displacement actuator, the rigid fluid flow conduit memberis thereby disengaged from the at least two slit wall portions, causingthe slit to be open. Additionally, when the rigid fluid flow conduitmember is positioned in the forward position wherein the rigid fluidflow conduit member is not engaged by the displacement actuator, therigid fluid flow conduit member engages the at least two slit wallportions causing the slit to be closed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, therearward resilient displacement biasing element includes a generallycylindrical portion formed with an elongate bore. Additionally oralternatively, the rigid fluid flow conduit member includes acircumferential actuator portion and a cylindrical portion, thecylindrical portion is formed with a fluid conduit defining bore and thecylindrical portion includes a forward part and a rearward part.

Preferably, the rearward part is partially sealingly disposed within theelongate bore. Additionally or alternatively, the forward resilientmember is arranged along the longitudinal axis and is slidingly disposedover the forward part of the cylindrical portion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theforward resilient member is formed with an interior bore and arearwardly facing sealing aperture. Preferably, the forward resilientmember is tightly and sealingly disposed within the interior bore of theforward conduit.

Preferably, part of the rearward resilient displacement biasing elementis pre-tensioned and urges the rigid fluid flow conduit member forwardlyalong the longitudinal axis to the forward position, wherein a forwardend of the rigid fluid flow conduit member engages the at least two slitwall portions of the selectably closable slit, whereby the at least twoslit wall portions are forwardly displaced and squeezed transversely tothe longitudinal axis, thereby closing the slit.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,engagement of a forward end of the rigid fluid flow conduit member withthe at least two slit wall portions under the urging of the rearwardresilient displacement biasing element in the forward position isoperative to forwardly displace and tightly dispose the at least twoslit wall portions at least partially within the forwardly facingaperture and to seal the forwardly facing aperture.

Preferably, the rigid fluid flow conduit member is arranged to bedisplaced rearwardly along the axis between the forward position and therearward position by engagement of the actuator portion by a rearwardlyfacing end of an external conduit. Additionally or alternatively, therearwardly facing end of the external conduit engages the actuatorportion via the internally-threaded end.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,rearward displacement of the rigid fluid flow conduit member to therearward position produces corresponding rearward displacement of therearward resilient displacement biasing element along the axis such thatthe forward end of the rigid fluid flow conduit member moves rearwardlyout of engagement with the at least two slit wall portions, therebyallowing the slit to open. Preferably, disengagement of the rigid fluidflow conduit member from the at least two slit wall portions in therearward position is operative to unseal the forwardly facing apertureand allows the slit to open for fluid communication between the fluidconduit defining bore of the rigid fluid flow conduit member, theinterior bore of the forward resilient member and the forwardly facingaperture.

Preferably, the housing assembly includes a forwardmost face andrearwardly tapered mutually spaced generally axial ribs extendingrearwardly from the forwardmost face.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, therearwardly facing sealing aperture and an exterior of the forward partof the cylindrical portion of the rigid fluid flow conduit member are inslidable sealing engagement, the sealing engagement preventing fluidwhich passes through the fluid conduit defining bore from entering avolume within the interior bore rearward of the sealing aperture,thereby preventing the volume from acting as a “dead space” which couldundesirably retain the fluid. Additionally, the slidable sealingengagement between the radially outer sealing surface and the innerfacing surface of the rearward conduit and the slidable sealingengagement between the rearwardly facing sealing aperture and theexterior of the forward part of the cylindrical portion of the rigidfluid flow conduit member together maintain a pressurized fluid seal forpressurized fluid in the rearward conduit and in the fluid conduitdefining bore.

Preferably, when the fluid flow connector is in the rearward position, afluid flow connection is open for fluid supplied via the rearwardconduit and the fluid conduit defining bore to the external conduit viathe slit and the aperture.

Preferably, the forward conduit and actuator element is arranged fordisplacement between the forward position and the rearward positionalong the common longitudinal axis. Additionally or alternatively, theresilient fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing element is arranged forpartial displacement between the forward position and the rearwardposition along the common longitudinal axis.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, whenthe forward conduit and actuator element and the resilient fluid flowconduit sealing and biasing element are positioned in the rearwardposition, wherein the forward conduit and actuator element is engaged bya displacement actuator, the rigid fluid flow conduit member at leastpartially extends through the selectably closable slit thereby openingthe selectably closable slit. Additionally, when the forward conduit andactuator element and the resilient fluid flow conduit sealing andbiasing element are positioned in the forward position, wherein theforward conduit and actuator element is not engaged by the displacementactuator, the selectably closable slit is closed.

Preferably, the rigid fluid flow conduit member is integrally formedwithin the housing assembly and extends forwardly from the rearwardconduit.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theresilient fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing element is formed withan elongate bore and a forward end wall having a rearwardly facingsurface, the slit being formed within the forward end wall.Additionally, the resilient fluid flow conduit sealing and biasingelement is formed with a selectably compressible accordion type rearwardportion disposed rearwardly of the elongate bore, the selectablycompressible accordion type rearward portion defining an inner volume,communicating with the elongate bore.

Preferably, when the forward conduit and actuator element and theresilient fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing element are positionedin the rearward position and the forward conduit and actuator element isengaged by the displacement actuator, the selectably compressibleaccordion type rearward portion is rearwardly compressed against aforwardly facing circumferential surface of the housing assembly.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theforward conduit and actuator element is formed with an interior bore anda forwardly facing aperture.

Preferably, the forward conduit and actuator element is arranged to bedisplaced rearwardly from the forward position to the rearward positionalong the axis by engagement of the forward conduit and actuator elementby a rearwardly facing end of an external conduit.

Preferably, the engagement of the external conduit with the forwardconduit and actuator element is via the internally-threaded end.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theresilient fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing element includes agenerally elongate portion having an elongate bore formed therewithinalong the axis, the elongate bore including an integrally formedinterior facing sealing ring. Additionally, the rigid fluid flow conduitmember is slidably and sealingly disposed within the elongate bore inengagement with the sealing ring. Alternatively or additionally, thesealing ring and an exterior surface of the rigid fluid flow conduitmember are in slidable sealing engagement.

Preferably, the fluid flow connector maintains a pressurized fluid sealfor pressurized fluid in the rearward conduit, the rigid fluid flowconduit member, and a volume inside the resilient fluid flow conduitsealing and biasing element forward of the sealing ring, the pressurizedfluid seal being provided by the sealing ring and by the rearwardlyfacing surface of the forward end wall. In accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention, when the forward conduit andactuator element and the resilient fluid flow conduit sealing andbiasing element are positioned in the rearward position, the rigid fluidflow conduit member extends through the slit, and at least partiallyextends through the forwardly facing aperture, thereby stretchinglydisplacing the forward end wall forwardly and radially outward from theslit to a longitudinal orientation, tightly and circumferentiallydisposed between an exterior surface of the rigid fluid flow conduitmember and the aperture, thereby unsealing the rigid fluid flow conduitmember.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, whenthe forward conduit and actuator element and the resilient fluid flowconduit sealing and biasing element are in the rearward position, afluid flow connection is open for fluid supplied via the rearwardconduit and the rigid fluid flow conduit member to the external conduitvia the slit and the aperture, wherein a volume of the fluid flowconnection does not substantially change upon opening or closing of thefluid flow connection, thus providing a generally neutral fluiddisplacement characteristic.

There is yet further provided in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention a fluid flow connector including ahousing assembly having a first end and a second end arranged along acommon longitudinal axis, a forward conduit and actuator elementdisposed within the housing assembly, the forward conduit and actuatorelement being arranged for displacement along the common longitudinalaxis, the forward conduit and actuator element having a forward enddisposed alongside the first end, a rigid inner rod at least partiallydisposed within the forward conduit and actuator element and arrangedalong the common longitudinal axis, thereby defining together with aninterior of the forward conduit and actuator element a fluid flowconduit therebetween, the rigid inner rod having a forward enddisposable in sealing engagement with an interior of the forward conduitand actuator element at the forward end thereof and a resilientselectably compressible biasing element disposed within the housingassembly rearward of the forward conduit and actuator element. Theforward conduit and actuator element is positionable in a forwardposition wherein the forward conduit and actuator element is in thesealing engagement with the rigid inner rod, thereby sealing the fluidflow conduit and in a rearward position wherein the forward conduit andactuator element, is out of engagement with the forward end of the rigidinner rod, thereby unsealing the fluid flow conduit.

Preferably, the forward conduit and actuator element is arranged fordisplacement between the forward position and the rearward positionalong the common longitudinal axis. Additionally or alternatively,engagement of the forward conduit and actuator element by a displacementactuator is operative to displace the forward conduit and actuatorelement from the forward position to the rearward position.Additionally, the displacement actuator is an external conduit.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefirst end is an internally-threaded end and the second end is anexternally-threaded end. Additionally, the engagement of the forwardconduit and actuator element by the displacement actuator is via theinternally-threaded end.

Preferably, the resilient selectably compressible biasing element ispre-tensioned to urge the forward conduit and actuator element forwardlyinto the forward position. Additionally, when the forward conduit andactuator element is positioned in the rearward position, the resilientselectably compressible biasing element is compressed rearwardly,against the urging produced by its being pre-tensioned.

Preferably, the housing assembly is formed with a rearward conduitextending forwardly from the second end thereof, the rigid inner rodextending forwardly of the rearward conduit.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, therigid inner rod is formed with at least two elongate longitudinalrecesses extending from a rearwardly facing end of the inner rod toslightly rearward of a forwardly facing end portion thereof.Additionally or alternatively, the forward conduit and actuator elementis formed with an interior bore having an inner facing surface.

Preferably, the forward conduit and actuator element is formed with agenerally truncated conical forward section. Additionally oralternatively, the resilient selectably compressible biasing element isan integrally formed silicone rubber element. Alternatively oradditionally, the resilient selectably compressible biasing element issymmetric about the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the housing assembly includes a generally cylindricalforward body portion having rearwardly tapered mutually spaced generallyaxial ribs. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient selectablycompressible biasing element is maintained in a non-compressed state andis held in place between a forwardly facing interior surface of thehousing assembly and the forward conduit and actuator element,rearwardly thereof, which is in turn retained against forward movementby a rearwardly facing interior surface of the housing assembly.

Preferably, the at least two elongate longitudinal recesses of the rigidinner rod and the inner facing surface of the interior bore of theforward conduit and actuator element define at least two longitudinalfluid flow conduits therebetween.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, whenthe forward conduit and actuator element is positioned in the forwardposition, the forwardly facing end portion of the rigid inner rod andthe inner facing surface of the interior bore of the forward conduit andactuator element are in sealing engagement therebetween, thereby sealingthe longitudinal fluid flow conduits and maintaining a pressurized fluidseal for pressurized fluid in the longitudinal fluid flow conduits andthe rearward conduit. Preferably, when the forward conduit and actuatorelement is positioned in the rearward position upon engagement thereofby the external conduit, the inner facing surface of the interior boreis displaced rearwardly out of engagement with the forwardly facing endportion of the cylindrical inner rod, thereby allowing fluidcommunication between the fluid flow conduit and the external conduit.Preferably, when the forward conduit and actuator element is positionedin the rearward position, the fluid flow connector is open for flow offluid supplied via the rearward conduit and the fluid flow conduits tothe external conduit.

There is also provided in accordance with still another preferredembodiment of the present invention a fluid flow connector including ahousing member including a rigid fluid flow conduit defining portion,defining a rigid fluid flow conduit, the rigid fluid flow conduitdefining portion having a first end and a second end arranged along acommon longitudinal axis, the first end being formed with at least onefluid flow conduit side opening and a rigid hollow member sealinglydisposed about the rigid fluid flow conduit defining portion, the rigidhollow member having a forward end disposed alongside the first end, theforward end being formed with at least one rigid hollow member sideopening. The rigid hollow member is positionable in a first positionwherein the at least one rigid hollow member side opening of the rigidhollow member is not disposed at least partially in alignment with theat least one fluid flow conduit side opening of the rigid fluid flowconduit defining portion, thereby sealing the rigid fluid flow conduitand in a second position wherein the at least one rigid hollow memberside opening of the rigid hollow member is disposed at least partiallyin alignment with the at least one fluid flow conduit side opening ofthe rigid fluid flow conduit defining portion, thereby unsealing therigid fluid flow conduit.

Preferably, the rigid hollow member is arranged about the rigid fluidflow conduit defining portion for rotational displacement between thefirst position and the second position. Additionally or alternatively,rotational engagement of the rigid hollow member by a displacementactuator is operative to rotationally displace the rigid hollow memberfrom the first position to the second position. Additionally, thedisplacement actuator is an external conduit.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theforward end includes an internally-threaded portion and the second endis an externally-threaded end. Additionally, the rotational engagementof the rigid hollow member by the displacement actuator is via theinternally-threaded portion.

Preferably, the housing member and the rigid hollow member are arrangedalong the common longitudinal axis and are snap fitted together.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, therigid fluid flow conduit defining portion is formed as an elongategenerally conical hollow forwardly open shaft defining a forwardlytapered conduit therewithin extending forwardly along the axis.Additionally, the housing member includes a forwardly extending rotationlimiting protrusion which lies adjacent the shaft along a part of aperiphery thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the shaft is formedwith an annular protrusion on an outer surface thereof. Additionally,the rigid hollow member includes an annular recess configured for snapfit rotational engagement with the annular protrusion.

Preferably, the rigid hollow member includes a rotation limiting portionwhich cooperates with the forwardly extending rotation limitingprotrusion to limit the extent of rotation about the axis of the rigidhollow member relative to the housing member.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, whenthe rigid hollow member is positioned in the first position, mutualsealing of the rigid fluid flow conduit defining portion within therigid hollow member seals the forwardly tapered conduit, therebymaintaining a pressurized fluid seal for pressurized fluid therein.

Preferably, upon threaded rotational engagement of theinternally-threaded portion by the external conduit, an inner conicalsurface of the external conduit frictionally and lockingly engages anouter generally conical surface of the rigid hollow member, therebyrotating the rigid hollow member about the axis relative to the housingmember, until mutually facing surfaces of the rotation limitingprotrusion and the rotation limiting portion come into touchingengagement, whereby the at least one rigid hollow member side openinglies in alignment with the at least one fluid flow conduit side opening,thereby opening the forwardly tapered conduit and permitting fluid flowtherethrough.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a fluid flow connectorconstructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are simplified respective pictorial and sectionalexploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 1, FIG.2B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 2A;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are simplified respective side view and sectionalillustrations of a rearward housing portion of the fluid flow connectorof FIG. 1, FIG. 3B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a simplified pictorial view of a resilient double pathwayfluid flow conduit sealing and biasing (RDPFFCSB) element forming partof the fluid flow connector of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4B and 4C are simplified respective sectional illustrations of theresilient double pathway fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing(RDPFFCSB) element, taken along mutually perpendicular section lines B-Band C-C in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a simplified pictorial view of an actuator element formingpart of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5B and 5C are simplified respective sectional illustrations of theactuator element, taken along mutually perpendicular section lines B-Band C-C in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a simplified pictorial view of a forward housing portion ofthe fluid flow connector of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6B and 6C are simplified respective sectional illustrations of theforward housing portion, taken along mutually perpendicular sectionlines B-B and C-C in FIG. 6A;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 1, taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 1 in a closedoperative orientation as seen in respective perspective and side views;

FIG. 7C is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 1 in a closed operative orientation, taken along linesC-C, perpendicular to lines AB-AB in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7D is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 1 taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 1, in an openoperative orientation in engagement with a female luer portion;

FIG. 7E is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 1, taken along lines C-C, perpendicular to lines AB-ABin FIG. 1, in an open operative orientation in engagement with a femaleluer portion;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are simplified partial enlargements ofrespective FIGS. 7B, 7C, 7D and 7E;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are simplified sectional illustrations corresponding toFIGS. 7B and 7D for an alternative embodiment of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 1 which does not include side openings;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are simplified partial enlargements corresponding toFIGS. 8A and 8C for the alternative embodiment of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 1 which does not include side openings;

FIG. 11 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a fluid flow connectorconstructed and operative in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are simplified respective pictorial and sectionalexploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 11, FIG.12B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 12A;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are simplified respective side view and sectionalillustrations of a rearward housing portion of the fluid flow connectorof FIG. 11, FIG. 13B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 13A;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are simplified respective side view and sectionalillustrations of a resilient fluid flow conduit biasing (RFFCB) element,forming part of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 11, FIG. 14B beingtaken along lines B-B in FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15A is a simplified side view of a rigid fluid flow conduit andactuator element forming part of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 15B and 15C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe rigid fluid flow conduit and actuator element, taken along mutuallyperpendicular section lines B-B and C-C in FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16A is a simplified side view illustration of a resilient doublepathway fluid flow conduit sealing (RSDPFFCS) element forming part ofthe fluid flow connector of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 16B and 16C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe resilient double pathway fluid flow conduit sealing (RSDPFFCS)element, taken along mutually perpendicular section lines B-B and C-C inFIG. 16A;

FIG. 17A is a simplified side view of a forward housing portion of thefluid flow connector of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 17B and 17C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe forward housing portion, taken along mutually perpendicular sectionlines B-B and C-C in FIG. 17A;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are simplified sectional illustrations of the fluidflow connector of FIG. 11, taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 11 in aclosed operative orientation as seen in respective perspective and sideviews;

FIG. 18C is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 11 in a closed operative orientation, taken alonglines C-C, perpendicular to lines AB-AB in FIG. 11;

FIG. 18D is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 11 in an open operative orientation in engagement witha female luer portion, taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 11;

FIG. 18E is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 11 in an open operative orientation in engagement witha female luer portion, taken along lines C-C, perpendicular to linesAB-AB in FIG. 11;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are simplified partial enlargements of respectiveFIGS. 18B and 18C;

FIGS. 19C and 19D are simplified partial enlargements of respectiveFIGS. 18D and 18E;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are simplified sectional illustrations correspondingto FIGS. 18B and 18D for an alternative embodiment of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 11 which does not include side openings;

FIGS. 20C and 20D are simplified partial enlargements corresponding toFIGS. 19A and 19C for the alternative embodiment of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 11 which does not include side openings;

FIG. 21 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a fluid flow connectorconstructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 22A and 22B are simplified respective pictorial and sectionalexploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 21, FIG.22B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 22A;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are simplified respective side view and sectionalillustrations of a rearward housing portion of the fluid flow connectorof FIG. 21, FIG. 23B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 23A;

FIG. 24A is a simplified pictorial view of a resilient double pathwayfluid flow conduit sealing and biasing (RDPFFCSB) element and anelongate rigid fluid flow conduit element inserted therein, forming partof the fluid flow connector of FIG. 21;

FIGS. 24B and 24C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe resilient double pathway fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing(RDPFFCSB) element and elongate rigid fluid flow conduit elementinserted therein, taken along mutually perpendicular section lines B-Band C-C in FIG. 24A;

FIG. 25A is a simplified pictorial view of an actuator element formingpart of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 21;

FIGS. 25B and 25C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe actuator element, taken along mutually perpendicular section linesB-B and C-C in FIG. 25A;

FIG. 26A is a simplified pictorial view of a forward housing portion ofthe fluid flow connector of FIG. 21;

FIGS. 26B and 26C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe forward housing portion, taken along mutually perpendicular sectionlines B-B and C-C in FIG. 26A;

FIGS. 27A and 27B are simplified respective pictorial and side viewsectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 21, takenalong lines AB-AB in FIG. 21 in a closed operative orientation;

FIG. 27C is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 21 in a closed operative orientation, taken alonglines C-C, perpendicular to lines AB-AB in FIG. 21;

FIG. 27D is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 21, taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 21, in an openoperative orientation in engagement with a female luer portion;

FIG. 27E is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 21, taken along lines C-C, perpendicular to linesAB-AB in FIG. 21, in an open operative orientation in engagement with afemale luer portion;

FIGS. 28A, 28B, 28C and 28D are simplified partial enlargements ofrespective FIGS. 27B, 27C, 27D and 27E;

FIGS. 29A and 29B are simplified sectional illustrations correspondingto FIGS. 27B and 27D for an alternative embodiment of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 21 which does not include side openings;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are simplified partial enlargements corresponding toFIGS. 28A and 28C for the alternative embodiment of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 21 which does not include side openings;

FIG. 31 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a fluid flow connectorconstructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 32A and 32B are simplified respective pictorial and sectionalexploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 31, FIG.32B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 32A;

FIGS. 33A and 33B are simplified respective side view and sectionalillustrations of a rearward housing portion of the fluid flow connectorof FIG. 31, FIG. 33B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 33A;

FIGS. 34A and 34B are simplified respective side view and sectionalillustrations of a resilient fluid flow conduit biasing (RFFCB) element,forming part of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 31, FIG. 34B beingtaken along lines B-B in FIG. 34A;

FIG. 35A is a simplified side view of a rigid fluid flow conduit andactuator element forming part of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 31;

FIGS. 35B and 35C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe rigid fluid flow conduit and actuator element, taken along mutuallyperpendicular section lines B-B and C-C in FIG. 35A;

FIG. 36A is a simplified side view illustration of a resilient fluidflow conduit sealing (RFFCS) element forming part of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 31;

FIGS. 36B and 36C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe resilient fluid flow conduit sealing (RFFCS) element, taken alongmutually perpendicular section lines B-B and C-C in FIG. 36A;

FIG. 37A is a simplified side view of a forward housing portion of thefluid flow connector of FIG. 31;

FIGS. 37B and 37C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe forward housing portion, taken along mutually perpendicular sectionlines B-B and C-C in FIG. 37A;

FIGS. 38A and 38B are simplified sectional illustrations of the fluidflow connector of FIG. 31, taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 31 in aclosed operative orientation as seen in respective perspective and sideviews;

FIG. 38C is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 31 in a closed operative orientation, taken alonglines C-C, perpendicular to lines AB-AB in FIG. 31;

FIG. 38D is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 31 in an open operative orientation in engagement witha female luer portion, taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 31;

FIG. 38E is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 31 in an open operative orientation in engagement witha female luer portion, taken along lines C-C, perpendicular to linesAB-AB in FIG. 31;

FIGS. 39A and 39B are simplified partial enlargements of respectiveFIGS. 38B and 38C;

FIGS. 40A and 40B are simplified partial enlargements of respectiveFIGS. 38D and 38E;

FIG. 41 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a fluid flow connectorconstructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 42A and 42B are simplified respective pictorial and sectionalexploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 41, FIG.42B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 42A;

FIGS. 43A and 43B are simplified respective side view and sectionalillustrations of a rearward housing portion, forming part of the fluidflow connector of FIG. 41, FIG. 43B being taken along lines B-B in FIG.43A;

FIG. 44A is a simplified side view of a resilient fluid flow conduitsealing and biasing (RFFCSB) element forming part of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 41;

FIGS. 44B and 44C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe resilient fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing (RFFCSB) element,taken along mutually perpendicular section lines B-B and C-C in FIG.44A;

FIG. 45A is a simplified side view of a conduit and actuator elementforming part of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 41;

FIG. 45B is a simplified respective sectional illustration of theconduit and actuator element, taken along lines B-B in FIG. 45A;

FIG. 46A is a simplified side view of a forward housing portion of thefluid flow connector of FIG. 41;

FIG. 46B is a simplified sectional illustration of the forward housingportion, taken along lines B-B in FIG. 46A;

FIG. 46C is a simplified illustration of a rearwardly facing recessformed in the forward housing portion;

FIGS. 47A and 47B are simplified sectional illustrations of the fluidflow connector of FIG. 41, taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 41 in aclosed operative orientation as seen in respective perspective and sideviews;

FIG. 47C is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 41 in a closed operative orientation, taken alonglines C-C, perpendicular to lines AB-AB in FIG. 41;

FIG. 48A is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 41 in an open operative orientation in engagement witha female luer portion, taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 41;

FIG. 48B is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 41 in an open operative orientation in engagement witha female luer portion, taken along lines C-C, perpendicular to linesAB-AB in FIG. 41;

FIGS. 49A and 49B are simplified partial enlargements of respectiveFIGS. 47B and 47C;

FIGS. 50A and 50B are simplified partial enlargements of respectiveFIGS. 48A and 48B;

FIG. 51 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a fluid flow connectorconstructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 52A and 52B are simplified respective pictorial and sectionalexploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 51, FIG.52B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 52A;

FIG. 53A is a simplified side view of a rearward housing portion,forming part of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 51;

FIGS. 53B and 53C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe rearward housing portion, taken along mutually perpendicular sectionlines B-B and C-C in FIG. 53A;

FIG. 54A is a simplified side view of a resilient selectablycompressible biasing (RSCB) element forming part of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 51;

FIG. 54B is a simplified respective sectional illustration of theresilient selectably compressible biasing (RSCB) element, taken alonglines B-B in FIG. 54A;

FIG. 55A is a simplified side view of a conduit and actuator elementforming part of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 51;

FIG. 55B is a simplified respective sectional illustration of theconduit and actuator element, taken along lines B-B in FIG. 55A;

FIG. 56A is a simplified side view of a forward housing portion of thefluid flow connector of FIG. 51;

FIG. 56B is a simplified respective sectional illustration of theforward housing portion, taken along lines B-B in FIG. 56A;

FIGS. 57A and 57B are simplified sectional illustrations of the fluidflow connector of FIG. 51, taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 51 in aclosed operative orientation as seen in respective perspective and sideviews;

FIG. 57C is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 51 in a closed operative orientation, taken alonglines C-C, perpendicular to lines AB-AB in FIG. 51;

FIG. 58A is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 51 in an open operative orientation in engagement witha female luer portion, taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 51;

FIG. 58B is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 51 in an open operative orientation in engagement witha female luer portion, taken along lines C-C, perpendicular to linesAB-AB in FIG. 51;

FIGS. 59A and 59B are simplified partial enlargements of respectiveFIGS. 57B and 57C;

FIGS. 60A and 60B are simplified partial enlargements of respectiveFIGS. 58A and 58B;

FIG. 61 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a fluid flow connectorconstructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 62A and 62B are simplified respective pictorial and sectionalexploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 61, FIG.62B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 62A;

FIG. 63A is a simplified side view of a rearward housing portion,forming part of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 61;

FIGS. 63B and 63C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe rearward housing portion, taken along mutually perpendicular sectionlines B-B and C-C in FIG. 63A;

FIG. 63D is a simplified rearwardly facing end view of the rearwardhousing portion, forming part of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 61;

FIG. 64A is a simplified side view of a forward housing portion, formingpart of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 61;

FIGS. 64B and 64C are simplified respective sectional illustrations ofthe forward housing portion, taken along mutually perpendicular sectionlines B-B and C-C in FIG. 64A;

FIG. 64D is a simplified forwardly facing end view of the forwardhousing portion, forming part of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 61;

FIGS. 65A and 65B are simplified sectional illustrations of the fluidflow connector of FIG. 61, taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 61 in aclosed operative orientation as seen in respective perspective and sideviews;

FIG. 65C is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 61 in a closed operative orientation, taken alonglines C-C, perpendicular to lines AB-AB in FIG. 61;

FIG. 65D is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 61 in an open operative orientation in engagement witha female luer portion, taken along lines AB-AB in FIG. 61;

FIG. 65E is a simplified sectional illustration of the fluid flowconnector of FIG. 61 in an open operative orientation in engagement witha female luer portion, taken along lines C-C, perpendicular to linesAB-AB in FIG. 61;

FIGS. 66A and 66B are simplified partial enlargements of respectiveFIGS. 65B and 65C; and

FIGS. 67A and 67B are simplified partial enlargements of respectiveFIGS. 65D and 65E.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a fluid flow connector constructed and operative inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention and to FIGS. 2Aand 2B, which are simplified respective pictorial and sectional explodedview illustrations of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 1, FIG. 2B beingtaken along lines B-B in FIG. 2A.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 2A & 2B, there is provided a fluid flow connector100 having a housing assembly including a rearward housing portion 102,having an externally-threaded portion 104 at a rearward end 105 thereof,and a forward housing portion 106 having an internally-threaded portion108 at a forward end thereof. Rearward and forward housing portions 102and 106 are preferably arranged along a common longitudinal axis 110 andare preferably heat welded together.

A resilient double pathway fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing(RDPFFCSB) element 120 is disposed within the housing assembly and isarranged along longitudinal axis 110. The RDPFFCSB element 120 is formedwith an elongate bore 122 which defines a fluid flow conduit and has aforward section 124 disposed alongside the internally-threaded portion108 of the forward housing portion 106. The forward section 124 of theRDPFFCSB element 120 is preferably formed with a selectably closableslit 126 extending along longitudinal axis 110 and communicating withelongate bore 122.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,rearward of selectably closable slit 126 the RDPFFCSB element 120includes at least one, and preferably two, coaxial side openings 129,which extend generally perpendicularly to longitudinal axis 110 andcommunicate with elongate bore 122.

Preferably, the forward housing portion 106 includes a forward conduit130, preferably integrally formed therewith. Forward conduit 130 isformed with an interior bore 132 having a forwardly tapered portion 134and a forwardly facing aperture 136. A rearwardly facing shoulder 137 isdefined by the periphery of aperture 136.

Preferably, part of the RDPFFCSB element 120 is pre-tensioned andthereby urges the forward section 124 forwardly along longitudinal axis110 to a closed position. In the closed position, the forward section124 sealingly engages the forwardly tapered portion 134 of the interiorbore 132. This engagement squeezes the forward section 124 transverselyto longitudinal axis 110, thereby closing the slit 126 but leaving theside openings 129 open for fluid communication between elongate bore 122at the interior of RDPFFCSB element 120 and the exterior thereof withinthe interior of the forward conduit 130.

Engagement of the forward section 124 of the RDPFFCSB element 120 withthe forward conduit 130 under the urging of part of RDPFFCSB element 120is operative to seal forwardly facing aperture 136.

An actuator element 140 is provided for engagement with RDPFFCSB element120. The actuator element 140 is arranged to be displaced rearwardlyalong longitudinal axis 110 by engagement therewith of a rearwardlyfacing end of a female luer (not shown), which may threadably engageinternally-threaded portion 108 of forward housing portion 106.

Rearward displacement of actuator element 140 produces correspondingrearward displacement of part of RDPFFCSB element 120 along longitudinalaxis 110, such that forward section 124 moves rearwardly out ofengagement with the forwardly tapered portion 134 of the interior bore132, thereby unsealing forwardly facing aperture 136 and allowing slit126 to open, while leaving side openings 129 open for fluidcommunication between interior bore 122 of RDPFFCSB element 120, theexterior of RDPFFCSB element 120, the interior bore 132 of the forwardconduit 130, and forwardly facing aperture 136.

It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present inventionthat when RDPFFCSB element 120 is in this open position, fluidcommunication between elongate bore 122 and forwardly facing aperture136 is provided both via selectably closable slit 126 and via sideopenings 129, whereby the fluid flow provided via side openings 129preferably is generally double the fluid flow provided via selectablyclosable slit 126.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which are a simplifiedrespective side view and sectional illustration of a preferred structureof rearward housing portion 102 of the fluid flow connector 100 of FIG.1, FIG. 3B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 3A. As seen in FIGS. 3A &3B, rearward housing portion 102 is an integrally formed element whichis symmetric about a longitudinal axis, such as axis 110 (FIGS. 1-2B).

As noted hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1-2B, the rearward housingportion 102 includes an externally-threaded portion 104 at a rearwardend 105 thereof. Rearward housing portion 102 also includes a rearwardconduit 144 extending forwardly from rearward end 105 along axis 110. Aninternally directed flange 146 is disposed at a location intermediatealong rearward conduit 144 and serves as a stop, limiting forwardpenetration of a male luer (not shown) into conduit 144 from rearwardend 105.

Rearward housing portion 102 also includes a forward conduit 148 whichextends rearwardly from a forward end 149 of rearward housing portion102 along axis 110. As seen clearly in FIG. 3B, rearward conduit 144 hasan inner facing surface 150 and rearward conduit 144 extends partiallyinto forward conduit 148.

The exterior of rearward housing portion 102 is formed with a pluralityof stepped circumferential radially outwardly facing surfaces adjacentforward end 149, including a first circumferential ring 151, adjacentforward end 149, a second circumferential ring 152, having an outerdiameter greater than that of first circumferential ring 151, rearwardlyof ring 151, and a cylindrical wall 153 extending rearwardly of ring152. A plurality of stepped circumferential forwardly facing surfacesare also defined adjacent forward end 149, including a ring 154intermediate surfaces 151 and 152, and a ring 155, intermediate surfaces152 and 153.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, which illustrate resilientdouble pathway fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing (RDPFFCSB) element120 forming part of the fluid flow connector of FIGS. 1-2B in anunstressed orientation. As seen in FIGS. 4A-4C, RDPFFCSB element 120 isan integrally formed element, preferably formed of silicone rubber,which is symmetric about a longitudinal axis, such as axis 110 (FIGS.1-2B), in all respects other than with respect to selectably closableslit 126 and side openings 129

The RDPFFCSB element 120 preferably includes a generally elongateportion 160 having an elongate bore 122 formed at the center thereofalong axis 110, extending from a rearwardly facing end 164 to forwardsection 124 (FIGS. 2A & 2B) thereof. Extending radially outward fromgenerally elongate portion 160 is a tensionable connecting portion 166,typically in the form of a disc when in an unstressed condition.Tensionable connecting portion 166 preferably terminates in a generallycircularly cylindrical mounting portion 168.

Generally elongate portion 160 preferably includes a rear portion 170,having a circular cross section of a first diameter and a radially outersurface 171, a rearward intermediate portion 172, forward of rearportion 170 and having a circular cross section of a second diameter,less than the first diameter, which terminates at a junction withtensionable connecting portion 166. Forward of the junction withtensionable connecting portion 166 is a forward intermediate portion174, preferably having a circular cross section of a third diameter,greater than the first and second diameters, which terminates at acircumferential shoulder 175. Forward of circumferential shoulder 175 isa ring portion 176, preferably having a circular cross section of afourth diameter, less than the second diameter, which terminates at acircumferential shoulder 177.

Forward of shoulder 177 is a forward portion 178 which extends toforward section 124 (FIGS. 2A & 2B). Extending radially outward offorward portion 178 slightly rearwardly of forward section 124 is asealing ring 179.

As noted above, forward section 124 (FIGS. 2A & 2B) includes a pair ofside openings 129 (FIGS. 2A & 2B) which preferably extend along an axis180, intersecting and orthogonal to axis 110, from elongate bore 122 tothe periphery of forward section 124.

Forward of side openings 129 is a tapered portion 181, whose rearwardlyfacing wall 182 defines the forward extent of elongate bore 122. Taperedportion 181 terminates in a circumferential shoulder 183, forwardly ofwhich is provided a tip portion 184, preferably having an oval crosssection which is compressible into a circular cross section of a fifthdiameter, less than the fourth diameter.

Tip portion 184 and tapered portion 181 are preferably formed with slit126 (FIGS. 1-2B) extending along axis 110 and communicating betweenelongate bore 122 and the outside, forward of tip portion 184. As seenin FIG. 4B, slit 126 is open when in an unstressed orientation.

It is appreciated that elongate bore 122 defines a generallyincompressible fluid flow pathway extending between rearwardly facingend 164 and rearwardly facing wall 182.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-5C, which illustrate actuator element140, forming part of the fluid flow connector 100 of FIG. 1. Actuatorelement 140 preferably includes a rearward apertured disc 185, having acircumferential rearmost surface 186, integrally formed with a pair ofcylindrical sections 187 which extend forwardly of disc 185 and formpart of an imaginary cylinder aligned about axis 110. Cylindricalsections 187 define forwardly facing engagement surfaces 188.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-6C, which illustrate forward housingportion 106 (FIGS. 1-2B) of the fluid flow connector 100 of FIG. 1.Forward housing portion 106 preferably includes a generally cylindricalbody 189 having a forwardmost flange 190 and rearwardly tapered mutuallyspaced generally axial ribs 191 extending rearwardly from flange 190.

As seen in FIGS. 6A-6C, forward housing portion 106 is an integrallyformed element which is generally symmetric about a longitudinal axis,such as axis 110 (FIGS. 1-2B), in most respects. As noted hereinabovewith reference to FIGS. 1-2B, the forward housing portion 106 includesan internally-threaded portion 108 at a forward end thereof and aforward conduit 130 extending rearwardly therethrough along axis 110.Forward conduit 130 is preferably formed with an interior bore 132having a forwardly tapered portion 134 and a forwardly facing aperture136.

Internally-threaded portion 108 terminates rearwardly at shoulders 192and communicates with a rearwardly extending generally circularlycylindrical internal bore 193. Forward conduit 130 is joined to theinwardly facing circularly cylindrical wall of bore 193 by a pluralityof radially extending ribs 194, forwardly facing surfaces of whichdefine shoulders 192.

Forward housing portion 106 also includes a rearward conduit 195 whichextends forwardly from a rearward face 196 of forward housing portion106 along axis 110. As seen clearly in FIGS. 6B & 6C, rearward conduit195 has an inner diameter greater than that of rearwardly extendinggenerally circularly cylindrical internal bore 193, and rearwardlyextending generally circularly cylindrical internal bore 193 extendspartially into rearward conduit 195, defining a circumferential recess197.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A and 8B, which aresimplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 100 ofFIG. 1 in a closed operative orientation, and to FIGS. 7D, 7E, 8C and8D, which are simplified sectional illustrations of fluid flow connector100 of FIG. 1 in an open operative orientation in engagement with afemale luer portion 199.

Referring initially specifically to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A and 8B, it isseen that RDPFFCSB element 120 is maintained in a pre-tensioned statewherein generally circularly cylindrical mounting portion 168 is lockedin place between rearward housing portion 102 and forward housingportion 106, which are welded together, as by ultrasonic welding.Specifically it is seen that rearward face 196 of forward housingportion 106 lies against ring 155 of rearward housing portion 102 andthat cylindrical mounting portion 168 is locked in a circumferentialvolume defined by circumferential recess 197 of forward housing portion106, end 149 and surfaces 151 and 154 of rearward housing portion 102.

Axial pretensioning of RDPFFCSB element 120 along axis 110 is achievedby axial pressure engagement of the shoulder 183 of the RDPFFCSB element120 with shoulder 137 of the forward conduit 130 and by axial pressureengagement of tapered portion 181 of RDPFFCSB element 120 with forwardlytapered portion 134 of the interior bore 132 of the forward conduit 130.This arrangement stretches and thus tensions tensionable connectingportion 166, as seen from a comparison of FIGS. 7A-7C with FIGS. 4A-4C.

Axial pressure engagement of tapered portion 181 of RDPFFCSB element 120with forwardly tapered portion 134 of the interior bore 132 of theforward conduit 130 is operative to squeeze the forward section 124 ofthe RDPFFCSB element 120 transversely to longitudinal axis 110, therebyclosing the slit 126 and changing the cross section of the taperedportion 181 from a generally oval configuration as seen in FIG. 4A to agenerally circular configuration as seen in FIG. 7A.

Slidable sealing engagement is provided between radially outer surface171 of rear portion 170 of RDPFFCSB element 120 and inner facing surface150 of rearward conduit 144. This sealing engagement preferably preventsfluid which enters the fluid flow connector via rearward conduit 144from entering the volume within the forward conduit 148 lying rearwardof connecting portion 166 and cylindrical mounting portion 168.Accordingly this volume is prevented from acting as a “dead space” whichcould undesirably retain such fluid.

Slidable sealing engagement is also provided between sealing ring 179 ofRDPFFCSB element 120 and interior bore 132 of forward conduit 130. Thissealing engagement preferably prevents fluid which passes through sideopenings 129 from entering the volume within interior bore 132 offorward conduit 130 lying rearward of sealing ring 179 and withininternal bore 193. Accordingly this volume is prevented from acting as a“dead space” which could undesirably retain such fluid.

It is appreciated that the fluid flow connector 100 in the state shownin FIGS. 7A-7C, 8A and 8B is capable of maintaining a pressurized fluidseal for pressurized fluid in rearward conduit 144 and elongate bore122. It is further appreciated that an increase in fluid pressurepreferably enhances the effectiveness of the pressurized fluid seal.

Reference is now made specifically to FIGS. 7D, 7E, 8C and 8D, which aresimplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 100 ofFIG. 1 in an open operative orientation in engagement with a female luerportion 199.

It is seen that threaded engagement of the female luer portion 199 withthe internally-threaded portion 108 causes actuator element 140 to berearwardly displaced. It is noted that circumferential rearmost surface186 of actuator element 140 engages shoulder 175 of RDPFFCSB element120, producing corresponding rearward displacement thereof. Rearwarddisplacement of shoulder 175 produces corresponding rearwarddisplacement of a generally elongate portion 160 of RDPFFCSB element 120along axis 110, resulting in increased tensioning of tensionableconnecting portion 166 of RDPFFCSB element 120.

Rearward displacement of generally elongate portion 160 of RDPFFCSBelement 120 along axis 110 also produces disengagement of shoulder 183of the RDPFFCSB element 120 from shoulder 137 of the forward conduit 130and disengagement of tapered portion 181 of RDPFFCSB element 120 fromforwardly tapered portion 134 of the interior bore 132 of the forwardconduit 130.

The resulting elimination of axial pressure engagement of taperedportion 181 of RDPFFCSB element 120 with forwardly tapered portion 134of the interior bore 132 of the forward conduit 130 causes the forwardsection 124 of the RDPFFCSB element 120 to no longer be squeezedtransversely to longitudinal axis 110, thereby allowing the slit 126 toopen and allowing the cross section of the tapered portion 181 to returnto a generally oval configuration as seen in FIG. 4A.

Slidable sealing engagement continues to be provided between radiallyouter surface 171 of rear portion 170 of RDPFFCSB element 120 and innerfacing surface 150 of rearward conduit 144. This sealing engagementpreferably prevents fluid which enters the fluid flow connector viarearward conduit 144 from entering the volume within the forward conduit148 lying rearward of connecting portion 166 and cylindrical mountingportion 168. Accordingly this volume is prevented from acting as a “deadspace” which could undesirably retain such fluid.

Slidable sealing engagement also continues to be provided betweensealing ring 179 of RDPFFCSB element 120 and interior bore 132 offorward conduit 130. This sealing engagement preferably prevents fluidwhich passes through the slit 126 and side openings 129 from enteringthe volume within interior bore 132 of forward conduit 130 lyingrearward of sealing ring 179 and within internal bore 193. Accordinglythis volume is prevented from acting as a “dead space” which couldundesirably retain such fluid.

It is appreciated that the fluid flow connector 100, in the state shownin FIGS. 7D, 7E, 8C and 8D, provides a fluid flow connection for fluidsupplied via rearward conduit 144 and elongate bore 122, as by a maleluer or a syringe, to female luer portion 199 via slit 126, sideopenings 129 and aperture 136.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A and 9B, which are simplified sectionalillustrations corresponding to FIGS. 7B and 7D for an alternativeembodiment of the fluid flow connector 100 of FIG. 1 which does notinclude side openings, and to FIGS. 10A and 10B, which are simplifiedpartial enlargements, corresponding to FIGS. 8A and 8C, for thealternative embodiment of the fluid flow connector of FIG. 1 which doesnot include side openings.

The alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3A, 3B, 5A-5C, 6A-6C, 9A,9B, 10A and 10B is generally identical in structure and operation to theembodiment of FIGS. 1-8D, with the sole exception that side openings 129in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8D are obviated in the embodiment of FIGS.1, 3A, 3B, 5A-5C, 6A-6C, 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a fluid flow connector constructed and operative inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention and toFIGS. 12A and 12B, which are simplified respective pictorial andsectional exploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector ofFIG. 11, FIG. 12B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 12A.

As seen in FIGS. 11, 12A & 12B, there is provided a fluid flow connector200 having a housing assembly including a rearward housing portion 202,having an externally-threaded portion 204 at a rearward end 205 thereof,and a forward housing portion 206 having an internally-threaded portion208 at a forward end thereof. Rearward and forward housing portions 202and 206 are preferably arranged along a common longitudinal axis 210 andare preferably heat welded together.

A resilient fluid flow conduit biasing (RFFCB) element 220 is disposedwithin the housing assembly and is arranged along longitudinal axis 210.The RFFCB element 220 includes a generally cylindrical portion 221formed with an elongate bore 222.

An elongate rigid fluid flow conduit and actuator element 230 includes acylindrical portion 232, formed with a fluid conduit defining bore 233and having a forward part 234 and a rearward part 236 as well as acircumferential actuator portion 238. Rearward part 236 of element 230is partially sealingly disposed within elongate bore 222.

A resilient double pathway fluid flow conduit sealing (RSDPFFCS) element240 is disposed within the housing assembly, is arranged alonglongitudinal axis 210 and is preferably sealingly disposed over theforward part 234 of cylindrical portion 232. The RDPFFCS element 240 isformed with an elongate bore 242, and preferably has a forward section244 extending forwardly of elongate bore 242 disposed alongside theinternally-threaded portion 208 of the forward housing portion 206.

The forward section 244 of the RDPFFCS element 240 is preferably formedwith an interior bore 245 and a selectably closable slit 246 extendingalong longitudinal axis 210. As seen in FIG. 12B, elongate bore 242 hasa circular cross section of a diameter greater than that of interiorbore 245, thereby defining a rearwardly facing shoulder 247therebetween.

Forward part 234 of rigid fluid flow conduit and actuator element 230 istightly and sealingly disposed within elongate bore 242, rearwardly ofshoulder 247.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,rearward of selectably closable slit 246 the RDPFFCS element 240includes at least one and preferably two coaxial side openings 248 whichextend generally perpendicularly to longitudinal axis 210 andcommunicate with interior bore 245 and with fluid conduit defining bore233 of element 230.

Preferably, the forward housing portion 206 includes a forward conduit250, preferably integrally formed therewith. Forward conduit 250 isformed with an interior bore 251 having a forwardly tapered portion 252and a forwardly facing aperture 253. A rearwardly facing shoulder 254 isdefined by the periphery of aperture 253.

Preferably, part of the RFFCB element 220 is pre-tensioned and therebyurges element 230 and thus RDPFFCS element 240, which is tightly mountedthereon, forwardly along longitudinal axis 210 to a closed position. Inthe closed position, the forward section 244 sealingly engages theforwardly tapered portion 252 of the interior bore 251. This engagementsqueezes the forward section 244 transversely to longitudinal axis 210,thereby closing the slit 246 but leaving the side openings 248 open forfluid communication between fluid conduit defining bore 233 of element230 and elongate bore 242 and the exterior thereof within the interiorbore 251 of forward conduit 250.

Engagement of the forward section 244 of the RDPFFCS element 240 withthe forward conduit 250 under the urging of RFFCB element 220 isoperative to seal forwardly facing aperture 253.

Actuator portion 238 is arranged to be displaced rearwardly alonglongitudinal axis 210 by engagement therewith of a rearwardly facing endof a female luer (not shown), which may threadably engageinternally-threaded portion 208 of forward housing portion 206.

Rearward displacement of actuator portion 238 produces correspondingrearward displacement of RFFCB element 220 along longitudinal axis 210and also produces rearward displacement of RDPFFCS element 240 such thatforward section 244 moves rearwardly out of engagement with theforwardly tapered portion 252 of the interior bore 251, therebyunsealing forwardly facing aperture 253 and allowing slit 246 to openand leaving side openings 248 open for fluid communication between thefluid conduit defining bore 233 of element 230, interior bore 245 andthe exterior of RDPFFCS element 240, interior bore 251 of the forwardconduit 250 and forwardly facing aperture 253.

It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present inventionthat when RDPFFCS element 240 is in this open position, fluidcommunication between fluid conduit defining bore 233 of element 230 andforwardly facing aperture 253 is provided both via selectably closableslit 246 and via side openings 248, whereby the fluid flow provided viaside openings 248 preferably is generally double the fluid flow providedvia selectably closable slit 246.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A and 13B which are simplifiedrespective side views and sectional illustrations of a preferredstructure of rearward housing portion 202 of the fluid flow connector200 of FIG. 11, FIG. 13B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 13A. Asseen in FIGS. 13A & 13B, rearward housing portion 202 is an integrallyformed element which is symmetric about a longitudinal axis, such asaxis 210 (FIGS. 11-12B).

As noted hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 11-12B, the rearwardhousing portion 202 includes an externally-threaded portion 204 at arearward end 205 thereof. Rearward housing portion 202 also includes arearward conduit 255 extending forwardly from rearward end 205 alongaxis 210. An internally directed flange 256 is disposed at a locationintermediate along rearward conduit 255 and serves as a stop, limitingforward penetration of a male luer (not shown) into conduit 255 fromrearward end 205.

Rearward housing portion 202 also includes a forward conduit 257 whichextends rearwardly from a forward end 258 of rearward housing portion202 along axis 210. As seen clearly in FIG. 13B, rearward conduit 255has an inner facing surface 259 and rearward conduit 255 extendspartially into forward conduit 257. The exterior of rearward housingportion 202 is formed with a plurality of stepped circumferentialradially outwardly facing surfaces adjacent forward end 258, including afirst circumferential ring 260, adjacent forward end 258, a secondcircumferential ring 261, having an outer diameter greater than that offirst circumferential ring 260, rearwardly of ring 260, and acylindrical wall 262 extending rearwardly of ring 261. A plurality ofstepped circumferential forwardly facing surfaces are also definedadjacent forward end 258, including a ring 263 intermediate surfaces 260and 261, and a ring 264, intermediate surfaces 261 and 262.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 14A and 14B, which illustrate resilientfluid flow conduit biasing (RFFCB) element 220, forming part of thefluid flow connector of FIGS. 11-12B, in an unstressed orientation. Asseen in FIGS. 14A & 14B, RFFCB element 220 is an integrally formedelement, preferably formed of silicone rubber, which is symmetric abouta longitudinal axis, such as axis 210 (FIGS. 11-12B).

As noted above, the RFFCB element 220 preferably includes a generallycylindrical portion 221 (FIGS. 12A & 12B) having an elongate bore 222formed at the center thereof along axis 210, extending from a rearwardlyfacing end 265 to a forwardly facing end 266, cylindrical portion 232 ofelement 230 (not shown) being partially and sealingly disposedtherewithin. Extending radially outward from cylindrical portion 221 isa tensionable connecting portion 267, typically in the form of a discwhen in an unstressed condition. Tensionable connecting portion 267preferably terminates in a generally circularly cylindrical mountingportion 268.

Cylindrical portion 221 preferably includes a rear portion 270, having acircular cross section of a first diameter and a radially outer surface271, and a rearward portion 272, forward of rear portion 270 and havinga circular cross section of a second diameter, less than the firstdiameter, which terminates at a junction with tensionable connectingportion 267. Forward of the junction with tensionable connecting portion267 is a forward portion 274, which terminates at forward end 266.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 15A-15C, which illustrate elongate rigidfluid flow conduit and actuator element 230. As noted above, element 230includes a cylindrical portion 232, formed with a fluid conduit definingbore 233 and having a forward part 234 and a rearward part 236 as wellas a circumferential actuator portion 238. Rearward part 236 of element230 is partially sealingly disposed within elongate bore 222 of RFFCBelement 220 (not shown).

Actuator portion 238 preferably includes a rearwardly facing cylindricalportion 275 whose interior facing surface 276 is spaced from an exteriorfacing surface 277 of rearward part 236 of cylindrical portion 232 anddefines therewith a generally cylindrical recess 278 having an axiallyrearwardly facing wall surface 279 of a transverse wall 280. Forwardlyof wall 280 are a pair of cylindrical sections 281 which extendforwardly of wall 280 and form part of an imaginary cylinder alignedabout axis 210. Cylindrical sections 281 define forwardly facingengagement surfaces 282.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 16A-16C, which illustrate resilientdouble pathway fluid flow conduit sealing (RSDPFFCS) element 240. Asnoted above, RDPFFCS element 240 is formed with an elongate bore 242,and preferably has a forward section 244 extending forwardly of elongatebore 242. The forward section 244 of the RDPFFCS element 240 ispreferably formed with an interior bore 245 and a selectably closableslit 246 extending along longitudinal axis 210. As seen in FIG. 12B,elongate bore 242 has a circular cross section of a diameter greaterthan that of interior bore 245, thereby defining a rearwardly facingshoulder 247 therebetween.

As noted above, rearward of selectably closable slit 246, the RDPFFCSelement 240 includes at least one, and preferably two, coaxial sideopenings 248 which extend generally perpendicularly to longitudinal axis210 and communicate with interior bore 245 and with fluid conduitdefining bore 233 of element 230. Extending radially outward of forwardsection 244 and slightly rearwardly thereof is a sealing ring 283.

Forward of side openings 248 is a tapered portion 284, whose rearwardlyfacing wall 285 defines the forward extent of interior bore 245. Taperedportion 284 terminates in a circumferential shoulder 286, forwardly ofwhich is provided a tip portion 287, preferably having an oval crosssection, which is compressible into a circular cross section.

Slit 246 preferably extends through tip portion 287 and tapered portion284 along axis 210. As seen in FIGS. 16B & 16C, slit 246 is open when inan unstressed orientation.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C, which illustrate theforward housing portion 206 (FIGS. 11-12B) of the fluid flow connector200 of FIG. 11. Forward housing portion 206 preferably includes agenerally cylindrical body 289 having rearwardly tapered mutually spacedgenerally axial ribs 291.

As seen in FIGS. 17A-17C, forward housing portion 206 is an integrallyformed element which is generally symmetric about a longitudinal axis,such as axis 210 (FIGS. 11-12B), in most respects. As noted hereinabovewith reference to FIGS. 11-12B, the forward housing portion 206 includesan internally-threaded portion 208 at a forward end thereof and aforward conduit 250 extending rearwardly therethrough along axis 210.Forward conduit 250 is preferably formed with an interior bore 251having a forwardly tapered portion 252 and a forwardly facing aperture253.

Internally-threaded portion 208 terminates rearwardly at acircumferential shoulder 292 and communicates with a rearwardlyextending generally circularly cylindrical internal bore 293. Forwardconduit 250 is joined to the inwardly facing circularly cylindrical wallof bore 293 by a plurality of radially extending ribs 294, rearwardly ofshoulder 292.

Forward housing portion 206 also includes a rearward conduit 295 whichextends forwardly from a rearward face 296 of forward housing portion206 along axis 210. As seen clearly in FIGS. 17B & 17C, rearward conduit295 has an inner diameter greater than that of rearwardly extendinggenerally circularly cylindrical internal bore 293, and rearwardlyextending generally circularly cylindrical internal bore 293 extendspartially into rearward conduit 295, defining a circumferential recess297.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 19A and 19B, which aresimplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 200 ofFIG. 11 in a closed operative orientation, and to FIGS. 18D, 18E, 19Cand 19D, which are simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flowconnector 200 of FIG. 11 in an open operative orientation in engagementwith a female luer portion 299.

Referring initially specifically to FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 19A and 19B, itis seen that RFFCB element 220 is maintained in a pre-tensioned statewherein generally circularly cylindrical mounting portion 268 is lockedin place between rearward housing portion 202 and forward housingportion 206, which are welded together, as by ultrasonic welding.Specifically, it is seen that rearward face 296 of forward housingportion 206 lies against ring 264 of rearward housing portion 202 andcylindrical mounting portion 268 is locked in a circumferential volumedefined by circumferential recess 297 of forward housing portion 206,end 258 and surfaces 260 and 263 of rearward housing portion 202.

Forward portion 274 of RFFCB element 220 is seated in generallycylindrical recess 278 of element 230 such that forwardly facing edge266 of RFFCB element 220 lies in engagement with rearwardly facing wallsurface 279 of wall 280.

Axial pretensioning of RFFCB element 220 along axis 210 is achieved byaxial pressure engagement of rearwardly facing wall surface 279 withforwardly facing edge 266 of RFFCB element 220 and by axial pressureengagement of tapered portion 284 of RDPFFCS element 240 with forwardlytapered portion 252 of the interior bore 251 of forward conduit 250, dueto tight engagement between RDPFFCS element 240 and the forward section234 of element 230. This arrangement stretches and thus tensionstensionable connecting portion 267, as seen from a consideration ofFIGS. 18A-18C, 19A & 19B with FIGS. 14A & 14B.

Axial pressure engagement of tapered portion 284 of RDPFFCS element 240with forwardly tapered portion 252 of the interior bore 251 of theforward conduit 250 is operative to squeeze the forward section 244 ofthe RDPFFCS element 240 transversely to longitudinal axis 210, therebyclosing the slit 246 and changing the cross section of the taperedportion 284 from a generally oval configuration, as seen in FIG. 16A, toa generally circular configuration, as seen in FIG. 18A.

Slidable sealing engagement is provided between radially outer surface271 of rear portion 270 of RFFCB element 220 and inner facing surface259 of rearward conduit 255. This sealing engagement preferably preventsfluid which enters the fluid flow connector via rearward conduit 255from entering the volume within the forward conduit 260 lying rearwardof connecting portion 267 and cylindrical mounting portion 268.Accordingly this volume is prevented from acting as a “dead space” whichcould undesirably retain such fluid.

Slidable sealing engagement is also provided between sealing ring 283 ofRDPFFCS element 240 and interior bore 251 of forward conduit 250. Thissealing engagement preferably prevents fluid which passes through sideopenings 248 from entering the volume within interior bore 251 offorward conduit 250 lying rearward of sealing ring 283 and withininternal bore 293. Accordingly this volume is prevented from acting as a“dead space” which could undesirably retain such fluid.

It is appreciated that the fluid flow connector 200 in the state shownin FIGS. 18A-18C, 19A and 19B is capable of maintaining a pressurizedfluid seal for pressurized fluid in forward conduit 250, fluid conduitdefining bore 233, and interior bore 245. It is further appreciated thatan increase in fluid pressure preferably enhances the effectiveness ofthe pressurized fluid seal.

Reference is now made specifically to FIGS. 18D, 18E, 19C and 19D whichare simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 200of FIG. 11 in an open operative orientation in engagement with a femaleluer portion 299.

It is seen that threaded engagement of the female luer portion 299 withthe internally-threaded portion 208 causes elongate rigid fluid flowconduit and actuator element 230 to be rearwardly displaced. It is notedthat rearwardly facing wall surface 279 of element 230 engages forwardlyfacing end 266 of RFFCB element 220, producing corresponding rearwarddisplacement thereof along axis 210, resulting in increased tensioningof tensionable connecting portion 267 of RFFCB element 220.

Rearward displacement of element 230 also produces correspondingrearward displacement of RDPFFCS element 240 which is tightly mountedthereon, along axis 210.

Rearward displacement of RDPFFCS element 240 along axis 210 producesdisengagement of shoulder 286 of the RDPFFCS element 240 from shoulder254 of the forward conduit 250 and disengagement of tapered portion 284of RDPFFCS element 240 from forwardly tapered portion 252 of theinterior bore 251 of the forward conduit 250.

The resulting elimination of axial pressure engagement of taperedportion 284 of RDPFFCS element 240 with forwardly tapered portion 252 ofthe interior bore 251 of the forward conduit 250 causes the forwardsection 244 of the RDPFFCS element 240 to no longer be squeezedtransversely to longitudinal axis 210, thereby allowing the slit 246 toopen and allowing the cross section of the tapered portion 284 to returnto a generally oval configuration as seen in FIG. 16A.

Slidable sealing engagement continues to be provided between radiallyouter surface 271 of rear portion 270 of RFFCB element 220 and innerfacing surface 259 of rearward conduit 255. This sealing engagementpreferably prevents fluid which enters the fluid flow connector viarearward conduit 255 from entering the volume within the forward conduit260 lying rearward of connecting portion 267 and cylindrical mountingportion 268. Accordingly this volume is prevented from acting as a “deadspace” which could undesirably retain such fluid.

Slidable sealing engagement also continues to be provided betweensealing ring 283 of RDPFFCS element 240 and interior bore 251 of forwardconduit 250. This sealing engagement preferably prevents fluid whichpasses through side openings 248 and slit 246 from entering the volumewithin interior bore 251 of forward conduit 250 lying rearward ofsealing ring 283 and within internal bore 293. Accordingly this volumeis prevented from acting as a “dead space” which could undesirablyretain such fluid.

It is appreciated that the fluid flow connector 200, in the state shownin FIGS. 18D, 18E, 19C and 19D, provides a fluid flow connection forfluid supplied via rearward conduit 255 and fluid conduit defining bore233, as by a male luer or a syringe, to female luer portion 299 via slit246, side openings 248 and aperture 253.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 20A and 20B, which are simplifiedsectional illustrations corresponding to FIGS. 18B and 18D for analternative embodiment of the fluid flow connector 200 of FIG. 11 whichdoes not include side openings, and to FIGS. 20C and 20D, which aresimplified partial enlargements, corresponding to FIGS. 19A and 19C, forthe alternative embodiment of the fluid flow connector 200 of FIG. 11which does not include side openings.

The alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 11, 13A-15C, 17A-18A and20A-20D is generally identical in structure and operation to theembodiment of FIGS. 11-19D, with the sole exception that side openings248 in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-19D are obviated in the embodiment ofFIGS. 11, 13A-15C, 17A-18A and 20A-20D.

Reference is now made to FIG. 21, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a fluid flow connector constructed and operative inaccordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention and toFIGS. 22A and 22B, which are simplified respective pictorial andsectional exploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector ofFIG. 21, FIG. 22B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 22A.

As seen in FIGS. 21, 22A & 22B, there is provided a fluid flow connector300 having a housing assembly including a rearward housing portion 302,having an externally-threaded portion 304 at a rearward end 305 thereof,and a forward housing portion 306 having an internally-threaded portion308 at a forward end thereof. Rearward and forward housing portions 302and 306 are preferably arranged along a common longitudinal axis 310 andare preferably heat welded together.

A resilient double pathway fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing(RDPFFCSB) element 320 is disposed within the housing assembly and isarranged along longitudinal axis 310. The RDPFFCSB element 320 is formedwith an elongate bore 322, and preferably has a forward section 324extending forwardly of elongate bore 322 disposed alongside theinternally-threaded portion 308 of the forward housing portion 306.

The forward section 324 of the RDPFFCSB element 320 is preferably formedwith an interior bore 325 and a selectably closable slit 326 extendingalong longitudinal axis 310. As seen in FIG. 22B, elongate bore 322 hasa circular cross section of a diameter greater than that of interiorbore 325, thereby defining a rearwardly facing shoulder 327therebetween.

An elongate rigid fluid flow conduit element 328 is tightly andsealingly disposed within elongate bore 322, rearwardly of shoulder 327.The interior of fluid flow conduit element 328 is in communication withinterior bore 325.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,rearwardly of selectably closable slit 326, the RDPFFCSB element 320includes at least one and preferably two coaxial side openings 329 whichextend generally perpendicularly to longitudinal axis 310 andcommunicate with interior bore 325 and with the interior of fluid flowconduit element 328.

Preferably, the forward housing portion 306 includes a forward conduit330, preferably integrally formed therewith. Forward conduit 330 ispreferably formed with an interior bore 332 having a forwardly taperedportion 334 and a forwardly facing aperture 336. A rearwardly facingshoulder 337 is defined by the periphery of aperture 336.

Preferably, part of the RDPFFCSB element 320 is pre-tensioned andthereby urges another part of RDPFFCSB element 320 forwardly alonglongitudinal axis 310 to a closed position. In the closed position, theforward section 324 sealingly engages the forwardly tapered portion 334of the interior bore 332. This engagement squeezes the forward section324 transversely to longitudinal axis 310, thereby closing the slit 326but leaving the side openings 329 open for fluid communication betweenthe interior of fluid flow conduit element 328 and interior bore 325 atthe interior of RDPFFCSB element 320, the exterior of element 328 beingtightly retained within the interior of RDPFFCSB element 320.

Engagement of the forward section 324 of the RDPFFCSB element 320 withthe forward conduit 330 under the urging of part of RDPFFCSB element 320is operative to seal forwardly facing aperture 336.

An actuator element 340 is provided for engagement with RDPFFCSB element320. The actuator element 340 is arranged to be displaced rearwardlyalong longitudinal axis 310 by engagement therewith of a rearwardlyfacing end of a female luer (not shown), which may threadably engageinternally-threaded portion 308 of forward housing portion 306.

Rearward displacement of actuator element 340 produces correspondingrearward displacement of part of RDPFFCSB element 320 along longitudinalaxis 310, such that forward section 324 moves rearwardly out ofengagement with the forwardly tapered portion 334 of the interior bore332, thereby unsealing forwardly facing aperture 336 and allowing slit326 to open, while leaving side openings 329 open for fluidcommunication between the interior of fluid flow conduit element 328,interior bore 325 of forward section 324, the exterior of RDPFFCSBelement 320, interior bore 332 of the forward conduit 330, and forwardlyfacing aperture 336.

It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present inventionthat when RDPFFCSB element 320 is in this open position, fluidcommunication between the interior of fluid flow conduit element 328 andforwardly facing aperture 336 is provided both via selectably closableslit 326 and via side openings 329.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 23A and 23B, which are a simplifiedrespective side view and a sectional illustration of a preferredstructure of rearward housing portion 302 of the fluid flow connector300 of FIG. 21, FIG. 23B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 23A. Asseen in FIGS. 23A & 23B, rearward housing portion 302 is an integrallyformed element which is symmetric about a longitudinal axis, such asaxis 310 (FIGS. 21-22B).

As noted hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 21-22B, the rearwardhousing portion 302 includes an externally-threaded portion 304 at arearward end 305 thereof. Rearward housing portion 302 also includes arearward conduit 344 extending forwardly from rearward end 305 alongaxis 310. An internally directed flange 346 is disposed at a locationintermediate along rearward conduit 344 and serves as a stop, limitingforward penetration of a male luer (not shown) into conduit 344 fromrearward end 305.

Rearward housing portion 302 also includes a forward conduit 348 whichextends rearwardly from a forward end 349 of rearward housing portion302 along axis 310. As seen clearly in FIG. 23B, rearward conduit 344has an inner facing surface 350 and rearward conduit 344 extendspartially into forward conduit 348. The exterior of rearward housingportion 302 is formed with a plurality of stepped circumferentialradially outwardly facing surfaces adjacent forward end 349, including afirst circumferential ring 351, adjacent forward end 349, a secondcircumferential ring 352, having an outer diameter greater than that offirst circumferential ring 351, rearwardly of ring 351, and acylindrical wall 353 extending rearwardly of ring 352. A plurality ofstepped circumferential forwardly facing surfaces are also definedadjacent forward end 349, including a ring 354 intermediate surfaces 351and 352, and a ring 355, intermediate surfaces 352 and 353.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 24A, 24B and 24C which illustrateresilient double pathway fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing(RDPFFCSB) element 320, forming part of the fluid flow connector ofFIGS. 21-22B in an unstressed orientation having elongate rigid fluidflow conduit element 328 inserted therein. As seen in FIGS. 24A-24C,RDPFFCSB element 320 is an integrally formed element, preferably formedof silicone rubber, which is symmetric about a longitudinal axis, suchas axis 310 (FIGS. 21-22B), in all respects other than with respect toselectably closable slit 326 and side openings 329.

The RDPFFCSB element 320 preferably includes a generally elongateportion 360 having an elongate bore 322 formed at the center thereofalong axis 310, extending from a rearwardly facing end 364 to rearwardlyfacing shoulder 327 (FIGS. 22A & 22B), elongate rigid fluid flow conduitelement 328 being tightly and sealingly disposed therewithin. Extendingradially outward from generally elongate portion 360 is a tensionableconnecting portion 366, typically in the form of a disc when in anunstressed condition. Tensionable connecting portion 366 preferablyterminates in a generally circularly cylindrical mounting portion 368.

Generally elongate portion 360 preferably includes a rear portion 370having a circular cross section of a first diameter and a radially outersurface 371, a rearward intermediate portion 372, forward of rearportion 370 and having a circular cross section of a second diameter,less than the first diameter, which terminates at a junction withtensionable connecting portion 366. Forward of the junction withtensionable connecting portion 366 is a forward intermediate portion374, preferably having a circular cross section of a third diameter,greater than the second diameter, which terminates at a circumferentialshoulder 375. Forward of circumferential shoulder 375 is a ring portion376, preferably having a circular cross section of a fourth diameter,less than the second diameter, which terminates at a circumferentialshoulder 377.

Forward of shoulder 377 is a forward portion 378 which extends toforward section 324 (FIGS. 22A & 22B). Extending radially outward offorward portion 378, slightly rearwardly of forward section 324 is asealing ring 379.

As noted above, forward section 324 (FIGS. 22A & 22B) includes a pair ofside openings 329 (FIGS. 22A & 22B) which preferably extend along anaxis 380, intersecting and orthogonal to axis 310, from interior bore325 to the periphery of forward section 324.

Forwardly of side openings 329 is a tapered portion 381, whoserearwardly facing wall 382 defines the forward extent of interior bore325. Tapered portion 381 terminates in a circumferential shoulder 383,forwardly of which is provided a tip portion 384, preferably having anoval cross section which is compressible into a circular cross sectionof a fifth diameter, less than the fourth diameter.

Tip portion 384 and tapered portion 381 are preferably formed with slit326 (FIGS. 21-22B) extending along axis 310 and communicating betweeninterior bore 325 and the outside, forward of tip portion 384. As seenin FIG. 24B, slit 326 is open when in an unstressed orientation.

It is appreciated that elongate bore 322 defines a generallyincompressible fluid flow pathway extending between rearwardly facingend 364 and rearwardly facing wall 382.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 25A-25C, which illustrate actuatorelement 340, forming part of the fluid flow connector 300 of FIG. 21.Actuator element 340 preferably includes a rearward apertured disc 385,having a circumferential rearmost surface 386, integrally formed with apair of cylindrical sections 387, which extend forwardly of disc 385 andform part of an imaginary cylinder aligned about axis 310. Cylindricalsections 387 define forwardly facing engagement surfaces 388.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 26A-26C, which illustrate forward housingportion 306 (FIGS. 21-22B) of the fluid flow connector 300 of FIG. 21.Forward housing portion 306 preferably includes a generally cylindricalbody 389 having a forwardmost flange 390 and rearwardly tapered mutuallyspaced generally axial ribs 391 extending rearwardly from flange 390.

As seen in FIGS. 26A-26C, forward housing portion 306 is an integrallyformed element which is generally symmetric about a longitudinal axis,such as axis 310 (FIGS. 21-22B), in most respects. As noted hereinabovewith reference to FIGS. 21-22B, the forward housing portion 306 includesan internally-threaded portion 308 at a forward end thereof and aforward conduit 330 extending rearwardly therethrough along axis 310.Forward conduit 330 is preferably formed with an interior bore 332having a forwardly tapered portion 334 and a forwardly facing aperture336.

Internally-threaded portion 308 terminates rearwardly at circumferentialshoulders 392 and communicates with a rearwardly extending generallycircularly cylindrical internal bore 393. Forward conduit 330 is joinedto the inwardly facing circularly cylindrical wall of bore 393 by aplurality of radially extending ribs 394, forwardly facing surfaces ofwhich define shoulders 392.

Forward housing portion 306 also includes a rearward conduit 395 whichextends forwardly from a rearward face 396 of forward housing portion306 along axis 310. As seen clearly in FIGS. 26B & 26C, rearward conduit395 has an inner diameter greater than that of rearwardly extendinggenerally circularly cylindrical internal bore 393, and rearwardlyextending generally circularly cylindrical internal bore 393 extendspartially into rearward conduit 395, defining a circumferential recess397.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C, 28A and 28B, which aresimplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 300 ofFIG. 21 in a closed operative orientation, and to FIGS. 27D, 27E, 28Cand 28D, which are simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flowconnector 300 of FIG. 21 in an open operative orientation in engagementwith a female luer portion 399.

Referring initially specifically to FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C, 28A and 28B, itis seen that RDPFFCSB element 320 is maintained in a pre-tensioned statewherein generally circularly cylindrical mounting portion 368 is lockedin place between rearward housing portion 302 and forward housingportion 306, which are welded together, as by ultrasonic welding.Specifically it is seen that rearward face 396 of forward housingportion 306 lies against ring 355 of rearward housing portion 302 andcylindrical mounting portion 368 is locked in a circumferential volumedefined by circumferential recess 397 of forward housing portion 306,end 349 and surfaces 351 and 354 of rearward housing portion 302.

Axial pretensioning of RDPFFCSB element 320 along axis 310 is achievedby axial pressure engagement of the shoulder 383 of RDPFFCSB element 320with shoulder 337 of the forward conduit 330 and by axial pressureengagement of tapered portion 381 of RDPFFCSB element 320 with forwardlytapered portion 334 of the interior bore 332 of the forward conduit 330.This arrangement stretches and thus tensions tensionable connectingportion 366, as seen from a comparison of FIGS. 27A-27C, 28A & 28B withFIGS. 24A-24C.

Axial pressure engagement of tapered portion 381 of RDPFFCSB element 320with forwardly tapered portion 334 of the interior bore 332 of theforward conduit 330 is operative to squeeze the forward section 324 ofthe RDPFFCSB element 320 transversely to longitudinal axis 310, therebyclosing the slit 326 and changing the cross section of the taperedportion 381 from a generally oval configuration as seen in FIG. 24A to agenerally circular configuration as seen in FIG. 27A.

Slidable sealing engagement is provided between radially outer surface371 of rear portion 370 of RDPFFCSB element 320 and inner facing surface350 of rearward conduit 344. This sealing engagement preferably preventsfluid which enters the fluid flow connector via rearward conduit 344from entering the volume within the forward conduit 348 lying rearwardof connecting portion 366 and cylindrical mounting portion 368.Accordingly this volume is prevented from acting as a “dead space” whichcould undesirably retain such fluid.

Slidable sealing engagement is also provided between sealing ring 379 ofRDPFFCSB element 320 and interior bore 332 of forward conduit 330. Thissealing engagement preferably prevents fluid which passes through sideopenings 329 from entering the volume within interior bore 332 offorward conduit 330 lying rearward of sealing ring 379 and withininternal bore 395. Accordingly this volume is prevented from acting as a“dead space” which could undesirably retain such fluid.

It is appreciated that the fluid flow connector 300 in the state shownin FIGS. 27A-27C, 28A and 28B is capable of maintaining a pressurizedfluid seal for pressurized fluid in rearward conduit 344, fluid flowconduit element 328, and interior bore 325. It is further appreciatedthat an increase in fluid pressure preferably enhances the effectivenessof the pressurized fluid seal.

Reference is now made specifically to FIGS. 27D, 27E, 28C and 28D whichare simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 300of FIG. 21 in an open operative orientation in engagement with a femaleluer portion 399.

It is seen that threaded engagement of female luer portion 399 with theinternally-threaded portion 308 causes actuator element 340 to berearwardly displaced. It is noted that circumferential rearmost surface386 of actuator element 340 engages shoulder 375 of RDPFFCSB element320, producing corresponding rearward displacement thereof. Rearwarddisplacement of shoulder 375 produces corresponding rearwarddisplacement of a generally elongate portion 360 of RDPFFCSB element 320along axis 310, resulting in increased tensioning of tensionableconnecting portion 366 of RDPFFCSB element 320.

Rearward displacement of generally elongate portion 360 of RDPFFCSBelement 320 also produces corresponding rearward displacement ofrearwardly facing shoulder 327, resulting in corresponding rearwarddisplacement of rigid fluid flow conduit element 328 which is tightlyand sealingly disposed within elongate bore 322 of RDPFFCSB element 320,along axis 310.

Rearward displacement of generally elongate portion 360 of RDPFFCSBelement 320 along axis 310 also produces disengagement of shoulder 383of the RDPFFCSB element 320 from shoulder 337 of the forward conduit 330and disengagement of tapered portion 381 of RDPFFCSB element 320 fromforwardly tapered portion 334 of the interior bore 332 of the forwardconduit 330.

The resulting elimination of axial pressure engagement of taperedportion 381 of RDPFFCSB element 320 with forwardly tapered portion 334of the interior bore 332 of the forward conduit 330 causes the forwardsection 324 of the RDPFFCSB element 320 to no longer be squeezedtransversely to longitudinal axis 310, thereby allowing the slit 326 toopen and allowing the cross section of the tapered portion 381 to returnto a generally oval configuration as seen in FIG. 24A.

Slidable sealing engagement continues to be provided between radiallyouter surface 371 of rear portion 370 of RDPFFCSB element 320 and innerfacing surface 350 of rearward conduit 344. This sealing engagementpreferably prevents fluid which enters the fluid flow connector viarearward conduit 344 from entering the volume within the forward conduit348 lying rearward of connecting portion 366 and cylindrical mountingportion 368. Accordingly this volume is prevented from acting as a “deadspace” which could undesirably retain such fluid.

Slidable sealing engagement also continues to be provided betweensealing ring 379 of RDPFFCSB element 320 and interior bore 332 offorward conduit 330. This sealing engagement preferably prevents fluidwhich passes through side openings 329 and slit 326 from entering thevolume within interior bore 332 of forward conduit 330 lying rearward ofsealing ring 379 and within internal bore 395. Accordingly this volumeis prevented from acting as a “dead space” which could undesirablyretain such fluid.

It is appreciated that the fluid flow connector 300, in the state shownin FIGS. 27D, 27E, 28C and 28D, provides a fluid flow connection forfluid supplied via rearward conduit 344, elongate rigid fluid flowconduit element 328 and interior bore 325, as by a male luer or asyringe, to female luer portion 399 via slit 326, side openings 329 andaperture 336.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 29A and 29B, which are simplifiedsectional illustrations corresponding to FIGS. 27B and 27D for analternative embodiment of the fluid flow connector 300 of FIG. 21 whichdoes not include side openings and to FIGS. 30A and 30B, which aresimplified partial enlargements, corresponding to FIGS. 28A and 28C, forthe alternative embodiment of the fluid flow connector 300 of FIG. 21which does not include side openings.

The alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 21, 23A, 23B, 25A-25C,26A-26C, 29A, 29B, 30A and 30B is generally identical in structure andoperation to the embodiment of FIGS. 21-28D, with the sole exceptionthat side openings 329 in the embodiment of FIGS. 21-28D are obviated inthe embodiment of FIGS. 21, 23A, 23B, 25A-25C, 26A-26C, 29A, 29B, 30Aand 30B.

Reference is now made to FIG. 31, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a fluid flow connector constructed and operative inaccordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, andto FIGS. 32A and 32B, which are simplified respective pictorial andsectional exploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector ofFIG. 31, FIG. 32B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 32A.

As seen in FIGS. 31, 32A & 32B, there is provided a fluid flow connector400 having a housing assembly including a rearward housing portion 402,having an externally-threaded portion 404 at a rearward end 405 thereof,and a forward housing portion 406 having an internally-threaded portion408 at a forward end thereof. Rearward and forward housing portions 402and 406 are preferably arranged along a common longitudinal axis 410 andare preferably heat welded together.

A resilient fluid flow conduit biasing (RFFCB) element 420 is disposedwithin the housing assembly and is arranged along longitudinal axis 410.The RFFCB element 420 includes a generally cylindrical portion 421formed with an elongate bore 422.

An elongate rigid fluid flow conduit and actuator element 430 includes acylindrical portion 432, formed with a fluid conduit defining bore 433and having a forward part 434 and a rearward part 436 as well as acircumferential actuator portion 438. Rearward part 436 of element 430is partially sealingly disposed within elongate bore 422.

A resilient fluid flow conduit sealing (RFFCS) element 440 is disposedwithin the housing assembly and is arranged along longitudinal axis 410and is preferably slidingly disposed over the forward part 434 ofcylindrical portion 432. The RFFCS element 440 is preferably formed withan interior bore 442, and with a forward face 444 and a rearwardlyfacing sealing aperture 445.

The forward face 444 of the RFFCS element 440 is preferably formed witha selectably closable slit 446 extending along longitudinal axis 410.Selectably closable slit 446 is preferably formed with at least two slitwall portions 447. It is appreciated that the two slit wall portions 447in the state shown in FIG. 32B are not squeezed together, therebydefining an opening therebetween.

Preferably, the forward housing portion 406 includes a forward conduit450, preferably integrally formed therewith. Forward conduit 450 ispreferably formed with an interior bore 451, and has a forward end 452.The forward end 452 is formed with a forwardly facing aperture 453 and arearwardly facing surface 454. RFFCS element 440 is preferably tightlyand sealingly disposed within interior bore 451, whereby the peripheryof forward face 444 of RFFCS element 440 tightly engages rearwardlyfacing surface 454.

Preferably, part of the RFFCB element 420 is pre-tensioned and therebyurges elongate rigid fluid flow conduit and actuator element 430forwardly along longitudinal axis 410 to a closed position. In theclosed position, the forward part 434 of the element 430 engages the twoslit wall portions 447 of the selectably closable slit 446. Thisengagement forwardly displaces and squeezes the two slit wall portions447 transversely to the longitudinal axis 410, thereby closing the slit446.

Engagement of the forward part 434 of the element 430 with the slit 446under the urging of RFFCB element 420 is operative to seal forwardlyfacing aperture 453.

Elongate rigid fluid flow conduit and actuator element 430 is arrangedto be displaced rearwardly along longitudinal axis 410 by engagement ofactuator portion 438 by a rearwardly facing end of a female luer (notshown), which may threadably engage internally-threaded portion 408 offorward housing portion 406.

Rearward displacement of elongate rigid fluid flow conduit and actuatorelement 430 produces corresponding rearward displacement of RFFCBelement 420 along longitudinal axis 410 such that forward part 434 movesrearwardly out of engagement with the two slit wall portions 447 of theslit 446, thereby unsealing forwardly facing aperture 453 and allowingslit 446 to open for fluid communication between the fluid conduitdefining bore 433 of elongate rigid fluid flow conduit and actuatorelement 430, interior bore 442 and forwardly facing aperture 453.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 33A and 33B, which are a simplifiedrespective side view and a sectional illustration of a preferredstructure of rearward housing portion 402 of the fluid flow connector400 of FIG. 31, FIG. 33B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 33A. Asseen in FIGS. 33A & 33B, rearward housing portion 402 is an integrallyformed element which is symmetric about a longitudinal axis, such asaxis 410 (FIGS. 31-32B).

As noted hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 31-32B, the rearwardhousing portion 402 includes an externally-threaded portion 404 at arearward end 405 thereof. Rearward housing portion 402 also includes arearward conduit 455 extending forwardly from rearward end 405 alongaxis 410. An internally directed flange 456 is disposed at a locationintermediate along rearward conduit 455 and serves as a stop, limitingforward penetration of a male luer (not shown) into conduit 455 fromrearward end 405.

Rearward housing portion 402 also includes a forward conduit 457 whichextends rearwardly from a forward end 458 of rearward housing portion402 along axis 410. As seen clearly in FIG. 33B, rearward conduit 455has an inner facing surface 459 and rearward conduit 455 extendspartially into forward conduit 457. The exterior of rearward housingportion 402 is formed with a plurality of stepped circumferentialradially outwardly facing surfaces adjacent forward end 458, including afirst circumferential ring 460, adjacent forward end 458, a secondcircumferential ring 461, having an outer diameter greater than that offirst circumferential ring 460, rearwardly of ring 460, and acylindrical wall 462 extending rearwardly of ring 461. A plurality ofstepped circumferential forwardly facing surfaces are also definedadjacent forward end 458, including a ring 463 intermediate surfaces 460and 461, and a ring 464, intermediate surfaces 461 and 462.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 34A and 34B, which illustrate resilientfluid flow conduit biasing (RFFCB) element 420, forming part of thefluid flow connector of FIGS. 31-32B, in an unstressed orientation, FIG.34B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 34A. As seen in FIGS. 34A & 34B,RFFCB element 420 is an integrally formed element, preferably formed ofsilicone rubber, which is symmetric about a longitudinal axis, such asaxis 410 (FIGS. 31-32B).

As noted above, the RFFCB element 420 preferably includes a generallycylindrical portion 421 (FIGS. 32A & 32B) having an elongate bore 422formed at the center thereof along axis 410, extending from a rearwardlyfacing end 465 to a forwardly facing end 466, cylindrical portion 432 ofelongate rigid fluid flow conduit and actuator element 430 beingpartially and sealingly disposed therewithin. Extending radially outwardfrom cylindrical portion 421 is a tensionable connecting portion 467,typically in the form of a disc when in an unstressed condition.Tensionable connecting portion 467 preferably terminates in a generallycircularly cylindrical mounting portion 468.

Cylindrical portion 421 preferably includes a rear portion 470, having acircular cross section of a first diameter and a radially outer surface471, and a rearward portion 472, forward of rear portion 470, and havinga circular cross section of a second diameter, less than the firstdiameter, which terminates at a junction with tensionable connectingportion 467. Forward of the junction with tensionable connecting portion467 is a forward portion 474, which terminates at forward end 466.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 35A-35C, which illustrate elongate rigidfluid flow conduit and actuator element 430. As noted above, element 430includes a cylindrical portion 432, formed with a fluid conduit definingbore 433 and having a forward part 434 and a rearward part 436 as wellas a circumferential actuator portion 438. Rearward part 436 of element430 is partially sealingly disposed within elongate bore 422 of RFFCBelement 420

Actuator portion 438 preferably includes a rearwardly facing cylindricalportion 475 whose interior facing surface 476 is spaced from an exteriorfacing surface 477 of rearward part 436 of cylindrical portion 432 anddefines therewith a generally cylindrical recess 478 having an axiallyrearwardly facing wall surface 479 of a transverse wall 480. Forwardlyof wall 480 are a pair of cylindrical sections 481 which extendforwardly of wall 480 and form part of an imaginary cylinder alignedabout axis 410. Cylindrical sections 481 define forwardly facingengagement surfaces 482.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 36A-36C, which illustrate resilient fluidflow conduit sealing (RFFCS) element 440. As noted above, RFFCS element440 is formed with an interior bore 442, and with a forward face 444 anda rearwardly facing sealing aperture 445.

The forward face 444 of the RFFCS element 440 is preferably formed witha selectably closable slit 446 extending along longitudinal axis 410.Selectably closable slit 446 is preferably formed with at least two slitwall portions 447 and preferably extends through forward face 444 alongaxis 410. As seen in FIGS. 36A & 36B, slit 446 is open when in anunstressed orientation.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 37A, 37B and 37C, which illustrate theforward housing portion 406 (FIGS. 31-32B) of the fluid flow connector400 of FIG. 31. Forward housing portion 406 preferably includes agenerally cylindrical body 489 having a forwardmost face 490 andrearwardly tapered mutually spaced generally axial ribs 491 extendingrearwardly from forwardmost face 490.

As seen in FIGS. 37A-37C, forward housing portion 406 is an integrallyformed element which is generally symmetric about a longitudinal axis,such as axis 410 (FIGS. 31-32B), in most respects. As noted hereinabovewith reference to FIGS. 31-32B, the forward housing portion 406 includesan internally-threaded portion 408 at a forward end thereof and aforward conduit 450 extending rearwardly therethrough along axis 410.Forward conduit 450 is preferably formed with an interior bore 451, andhaving a forward end 452. The forward end 452 is formed with a forwardlyfacing aperture 453 and a rearwardly facing surface 454.

Internally-threaded portion 408 terminates rearwardly at acircumferential shoulder 492 and communicates with a rearwardlyextending generally circularly cylindrical internal bore 493. Forwardconduit 450 is joined to the inwardly facing circularly cylindrical wallof bore 493 by a plurality of radially extending ribs 494, rearwardly ofshoulder 492.

Forward housing portion 406 also includes a rearward conduit 495 whichextends forwardly from a rearward face 496 of forward housing portion406 along axis 410. As seen clearly in FIGS. 37B & 37C, rearward conduit495 has an inner diameter greater than that of rearwardly extendinggenerally circularly cylindrical internal bore 493, and rearwardlyextending generally circularly cylindrical internal bore 493 extendspartially into rearward conduit 495, defining a circumferential recess497.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 38A, 38B, 38C, 39A and 39B, which aresimplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 400 ofFIG. 31 in a closed operative orientation, and to FIGS. 38D, 38E, 40Aand 40B, which are simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flowconnector 400 of FIG. 31 in an open operative orientation in engagementwith a female luer portion 499.

Referring initially specifically to FIGS. 38A, 38B, 38C, 39A and 39B, itis seen that RFFCB element 420 is maintained in a pre-tensioned statewherein generally circularly cylindrical mounting portion 468 is lockedin place between rearward housing portion 402 and forward housingportion 406, which are welded together, as by ultrasonic welding.Specifically it is seen that rearward face 496 of forward housingportion 406 lies against ring 464 of rearward housing portion 402 andcylindrical mounting portion 468 is locked in a circumferential volumedefined by circumferential recess 497 of forward housing portion 406,end 458 and surfaces 460 and 463 of rearward housing portion 402.

Forward portion 474 of RFFCB element 420 is seated in generallycylindrical recess 478 of elongate rigid fluid flow conduit and actuatorelement 430 such that forwardly facing edge 466 of RFFCB element 420lies in engagement with rearwardly facing wall surface 479 of wall 480.

Axial pretensioning of RFFCB element 420 along axis 410 is achieved byaxial pressure engagement of rearwardly facing wall surface 479 withforwardly facing edge 466 of RFFCB element 420 and by axial pressureengagement of forward part 434 of element 430 with selectably closableslit 446 of the RFFCS element 440. This arrangement stretches and thustensions tensionable connecting portion 467, as seen from aconsideration of FIGS. 38A-38C, 39A & 39B with FIGS. 34A & 34B.

Axial pressure engagement of forward part 434 of element 430 withselectably closable slit 446 of the RFFCS element 440 is operative toforwardly displace and tightly dispose the two slit wall portions 447 atleast partially within forwardly facing aperture 453 and to squeeze thetwo slit wall portions 447 transversely to longitudinal axis 410,thereby closing slit 446.

Slidable sealing engagement is provided between radially outer surface471 of rear portion 470 of RFFCB element 420 and inner facing surface459 of rearward conduit 455. This sealing engagement preferably preventsfluid which enters the fluid flow connector via rearward conduit 455from entering the volume within the forward conduit 457 lying rearwardof connecting portion 467 and cylindrical mounting portion 468.Accordingly this volume is prevented from acting as a “dead space” whichcould undesirably retain such fluid.

Slidable sealing engagement is also provided between rearwardly facingsealing aperture 445 of RFFCS element 440 and exterior of forward part434 of element 430.

It is appreciated that the fluid flow connector 400 in the state shownin FIGS. 38A-38C, 39A and 39B is capable of maintaining a pressurizedfluid seal for pressurized fluid in rearward conduit 455 and in fluidconduit defining bore 433.

Reference is now made specifically to FIGS. 38D, 38E, 40A and 40B whichare simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 400of FIG. 31 in an open operative orientation in engagement with a femaleluer portion 499.

It is seen that threaded engagement of the female luer portion 499 withthe internally-threaded portion 408 causes elongate rigid fluid flowconduit and actuator element 430 to be rearwardly displaced. It is notedthat rearwardly facing wall surface 479 of element 430 engages forwardlyfacing end 466 of RFFCB element 420, producing corresponding rearwarddisplacement thereof along axis 410, resulting in increased tensioningof tensionable connecting portion 467 of RFFCB element 420.

Rearward displacement of element 430 along axis 410 producesdisengagement of forward part 434 of element 430 from selectablyclosable slit 446 of the RFFCS element 440, allowing the two slit wallportions 447 to retract rearwardly of forwardly facing aperture 453along axis 410 and transversely outward from longitudinal axis 410,thereby allowing the slit 446 to open.

Slidable sealing engagement continues to be provided between radiallyouter surface 471 of rear portion 470 of RFFCB element 420 and innerfacing surface 459 of rearward conduit 455. This sealing engagementpreferably prevents fluid which enters the fluid flow connector viarearward conduit 455 from entering the volume within the forward conduit457 lying rearward of connecting portion 467 and cylindrical mountingportion 468. Accordingly this volume is prevented from acting as a “deadspace” which could undesirably retain such fluid.

Slidable sealing engagement also continues to be provided betweenrearwardly facing sealing aperture 445 of RFFCS element 440 and exteriorof forward part 434 of actuator element 430. This sealing engagementpreferably prevents fluid which passes through bore 433 from enteringthe volume within interior bore 493 lying rearward of sealing ring 445.Accordingly this volume is prevented from acting as a “dead space” whichcould undesirably retain such fluid.

It is appreciated that the fluid flow connector 400, in the state shownin FIGS. 38D, 38E, 40A and 40B, provides a fluid flow connection forfluid supplied via rearward conduit 455 and fluid conduit defining bore433, as by a male luer or a syringe, to female luer portion 499 via slit446 and aperture 453.

Reference is now made to FIG. 41, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a fluid flow connector constructed and operative inaccordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, andto FIGS. 42A and 42B, which are simplified respective pictorial andsectional exploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector ofFIG. 41, FIG. 42B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 42A.

As seen in FIGS. 41, 42A & 42B, there is provided a fluid flow connector500 including a housing assembly including a rearward housing portion502, having an externally-threaded portion 503 at a rearward end 504thereof, a rearward conduit 505 extending forwardly from rearward end504, an elongate fluid flow conduit portion 506 at a forward endthereof, and a forward housing portion 507, having aninternally-threaded portion 508 at a forward end thereof. Rearward andforward housing portions 502 and 507 are preferably arranged along acommon longitudinal axis 510 and are preferably heat welded together.

A resilient fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing (RFFCSB) element 520disposed within the housing assembly and is arranged along longitudinalaxis 510. The RFFCSB element 520 is formed with an elongate bore 522,and preferably has forward end wall 524 disposed forwardly of elongatebore 522.

The forward end wall 524 of the RFFCSB element 520 is preferably formedwith a selectably openable slit 526 extending along longitudinal axis510. As seen in FIG. 42B, disposed rearwardly of elongate bore 522 is aselectably compressible accordion type rearward portion 528 whichdefines an inner volume 530, communicating with elongate bore 522. Anexterior surface of rearward portion 528 defines first and secondconcentric forwardly facing circumferential shoulders 532 and 534 and arearwardly facing surface 535.

Elongate fluid flow conduit portion 506 is slidably disposed withinelongate bore 522.

A forward conduit and actuator element 536 is provided for engagementwith RFFCSB element 520. Forward conduit and actuator element 536 ispreferably formed with an interior bore 538, a forwardly facing aperture539 and a rearwardly facing generally square flange 540. A rearwardlyfacing shoulder 541 is defined by the periphery of aperture 539. Firstand second concentric rearwardly facing circumferential surfaces 542 and544 are defined by flange 540 for engagement with corresponding firstand second concentric forwardly facing circumferential shoulders 532 and534 of RFFCSB element 520.

Forward conduit and actuator element 536 is arranged to be displacedrearwardly along longitudinal axis 510 by engagement therewith of arearwardly facing end of a female luer (not shown), which may threadablyengage internally-threaded portion 508 of forward housing portion 507.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 43A and 43B, which are a simplifiedrespective side view and a sectional illustration of a preferredstructure of rearward housing portion 502 of the fluid flow connector500 of FIG. 41, FIG. 43B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 43A. Asseen in FIGS. 43A & 43B, rearward housing portion 502 is an integrallyformed element which is symmetric about a longitudinal axis, such asaxis 510 (FIGS. 41-42B).

As noted hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 41-42B, the rearwardhousing portion 502 includes an externally-threaded portion 503 at arearward end 504 thereof, a rearward conduit 505 extending forwardlyfrom rearward end 504 and an elongate fluid flow conduit portion 506 ata forward end thereof, extending forwardly from rearward conduit 505along axis 510.

Rearward housing portion 502 also includes a forwardly facingcircumferential recess 545 which surrounds part of elongate fluid flowconduit portion 506 about axis 510. Circumferential recess 545 includesa relatively narrow rearward portion 546 defining a forwardly facingcircumferential surface 547 and a relatively wide forward portion 548.

Rearward housing portion 502 also includes a central flange 549 having aforwardly facing ring surface 550.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 44A, 44B and 44C, which illustrateresilient fluid flow conduit sealing and biasing (RFFCSB) element 520forming part of the fluid flow connector 500 of FIGS. 41-42B in anunstressed orientation. As seen in FIGS. 44A-44C, RFFCSB element 520 isan integrally formed element, preferably formed of silicone rubber,which is symmetric about a longitudinal axis, such as axis 510 (FIGS.41-42B), in all respects other than with respect to slit 526.

The RFFCSB element 520 preferably includes a generally elongate portion560 at the center of which an elongate bore 522 is located along axis510. Elongate bore 522 is formed with an integrally formed interiorfacing sealing ring 562 located intermediate along its length. As notedabove, an exterior surface of selectably compressible accordion typerearward portion 528 defines first and second concentric forwardlyfacing circumferential shoulders 532 and 534 and a rearwardly facingsurface 535. Elongate fluid flow conduit portion 506 is slidably andsealingly disposed within elongate bore 522 in engagement with sealingring 562.

As noted above, the forward end wall 524 of the RFFCSB element 520 ispreferably formed with a selectably openable slit 526 extending alonglongitudinal axis 510. The forward end wall 524 is preferably configuredto define a rearwardly facing surface 564 having an elongate rearwardlyfacing ridge and a flat forwardly facing surface 566.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 45A and 45B, which illustrate forwardconduit and actuator element 536, forming part of the fluid flowconnector 500. Forward conduit and actuator element 536 is preferablyformed with a generally truncated conical forward section 568, includinginterior bore 538 and forwardly facing aperture 539, and a rearwardlyfacing, generally square flange 540 having rounded corners. A rearwardlyfacing shoulder 541 is defined by the periphery of aperture 539. Firstand second concentric rearwardly facing circumferential surfaces 542 and544 are defined by flange 540 for engagement with corresponding firstand second concentric forwardly facing circumferential shoulders 532 and534 of RFFCSB element 520.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 46A-46C, which illustrate forward housingportion 507 (FIGS. 41-42B) of the fluid flow connector 500. Forwardhousing portion 507 preferably includes a generally cylindrical body 570having rearwardly tapered mutually spaced generally axial ribs 572.

As seen in FIGS. 46A-46C, forward housing portion 507 is an integrallyformed element which is generally symmetric about a longitudinal axis,such as axis 510 (FIGS. 41-42B), in all respects other than with respectto generally axial ribs 572, and a generally square recess 574 havingrounded corners and arranged to accommodate generally square flange 540(FIGS. 45A-45B). As noted hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 41-42B,the forward housing portion 507 includes an internally-threaded portion508, at a forward end thereof, and a rearward end surface 576.

Internally-threaded portion 508 terminates rearwardly at acircumferential shoulder 578 and communicates with rearwardly extendinggenerally square recess 574.

Forward housing portion 507 also includes a rearward conduit 580 whichextends forwardly from rearward end surface 576 of forward housingportion 507 along axis 510. As seen clearly in FIG. 46B, rearwardconduit 580 has an inner diameter greater than the maximum diameter ofrecess 574.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 47A, 47B, 47C, 49A and 49B, which aresimplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 500 in aclosed operative orientation, and to FIGS. 48A, 48B, 50A and 50B, whichare simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 500in an open operative orientation in engagement with a female luerportion 599.

Referring initially specifically to FIGS. 47A, 47B, 47C, 49A and 49B, itis seen that RFFCSB element 520 is maintained in a non-stressed stateand is held in place between rearward housing portion 502 and forwardconduit and actuator element 536, which is in turn retained againstforward movement by forward housing portion 507. Forward housing portion507 and rearward housing portion 502 are welded together, as byultrasonic welding. Specifically it is seen that rearward end surface576 of forward housing portion 507 lies against forwardly facing ringsurface 550 of central flange 549 of rearward housing portion 502.

It is also seen that rearwardly facing surface 535 of RFFCSB element 520is seated against forwardly facing circumferential surface 547 ofrearward housing portion 502, that shoulders 532 and 534 of RFFCSBelement 520 engage corresponding surfaces 542 and 544 of forward conduitand actuator element 536 and that the peripheral edges of flat forwardlyfacing surface 566 of RFFCSB element engage rearwardly facing shoulder541 of forward conduit and actuator element 536.

Slidable sealing engagement is provided between sealing ring 562 ofRFFCSB element 520 and the exterior surface of elongate fluid flowconduit portion 506 of rearward housing portion 502.

It is appreciated that the fluid flow connector 500 in the state shownin FIGS. 47A-47C, 49A and 49B is capable of maintaining a pressurizedfluid seal for pressurized fluid in elongate fluid flow conduit portion506, rearward conduit 505 of rearward housing portion 502 and a volumeinside RFFCSB element 520 forward of sealing ring 562. The pressuremaintaining capability of the RFFCSB element 520 is enhanced by theparticular configuration of the forward end wall 524, and particularlyof the configuration of the rearwardly facing surface 564.

Reference is now made specifically to FIGS. 48A, 48B, 50A and 50B whichare simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 500in an open operative orientation in engagement with a female luerportion 599.

It is seen that threaded engagement of the female luer portion 599 withthe internally-threaded portion 508 causes forward conduit and actuatorelement 536 to be rearwardly displaced. It is noted that circumferentialsurfaces 542 and 544 of element 536 engage shoulders 532 and 534 ofRFFCSB element 520, and that rearwardly facing shoulder 541 engages theperipheral edges of flat forwardly facing surface 566 of RFFCSB element520, a combination of which produces corresponding rearward displacementof the generally elongate portion 560 of RFFCSB element 520.

Rearward displacement of the generally elongate portion 560 of RFFCSBelement 520 is operative to rearwardly compress selectably compressibleaccordion type rearward portion 528 of RFFCSB element 520 againstforwardly facing circumferential surface 547 of rearward housing portion502.

It is seen that rearward displacement of the generally elongate portion560 of RFFCSB element 520 causes elongate fluid flow conduit portion 506of rearward housing portion 502 to extend through selectably openableslit 526, and to at least partially extend through forwardly facingaperture 539 of element 536, thereby stretchingly displacing forward endwall 524 forwardly and radially outward from slit 526 to a longitudinalorientation, tightly and circumferentially disposed between the exteriorsurface of elongate fluid flow conduit portion 506 and aperture 539,thereby opening slit 526.

Slidable sealing engagement continues to be provided between sealingring 562 of RFFCSB element 520 and the exterior surface of elongatefluid flow conduit portion 506 of rearward housing portion 502.

It is appreciated that the fluid flow connector 500, in the state shownin FIGS. 48A, 48B, 50A and 50B, provides a fluid flow connection forfluid supplied via rearward conduit 505 and fluid flow conduit portion506, as by a male luer or a syringe, to female luer portion 599 via slit526 and aperture 539. It is a particular feature of this embodiment thatthe volume of the fluid flow pathway of the fluid flow connector 500does not substantially change upon connection to or disconnection fromfemale luer portion 599, thus providing a generally neutral fluiddisplacement characteristic.

Reference is now made to FIG. 51, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a fluid flow connector constructed and operative inaccordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, andto FIGS. 52A and 52B, which are simplified respective pictorial andsectional exploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector ofFIG. 51, FIG. 52B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 52A.

As seen in FIGS. 51, 52A & 52B, there is provided a fluid flow connector600 including a housing assembly including a rearward housing portion602, having an externally-threaded portion 603 at a rearward end 604thereof, and a forward housing portion 606 having an internally-threadedportion 608 at a forward end thereof. Rearward and forward housingportions 602 and 606 are preferably arranged along a common longitudinalaxis 610 and are preferably heat welded together.

The rearward housing portion 602 is preferably formed with a rearwardconduit 611 extending forwardly of rearward end 604 thereof and anelongate generally circularly cylindrical inner rod 612 at a forward endthereof. The elongate generally circularly cylindrical inner rod 612 ispreferably formed with a rearward portion 614 having a rearwardly facingend 615 and a forward portion 616 having a forwardly facing end portion617.

As seen in FIGS. 52A and 52B, the elongate generally circularlycylindrical inner rod 612 is also preferably formed with at least twoelongate longitudinal recesses 618 extending from rearwardly facing end615 to slightly rearward of forwardly facing end portion 617.

A resilient selectably compressible biasing (RSCB) element 620 isdisposed within the housing assembly and is arranged along longitudinalaxis 610.

A forward conduit and actuator element 636 is provided for engagementwith RSCB element 620 and is preferably formed with an interior bore 637having an inner facing surface 638, a forwardly facing edge 639 and arearwardly facing flange 640. A rearwardly facing circumferentialsurface 642 is defined by flange 640 for engagement with RSCB element620.

Forward conduit and actuator element 636 is arranged to be displacedrearwardly along longitudinal axis 610 by engagement therewith of arearwardly facing end of a female luer (not shown), which may threadablyengage internally-threaded portion 608 of forward housing portion 606.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 53A, 53B and 53C which are simplifiedrespective side view and sectional illustrations of a preferredstructure of rearward housing portion 602 of the fluid flow connector600 of FIG. 51. As seen in FIGS. 53A, 53B and 53C, rearward housingportion 602 is an integrally formed element which is generally symmetricabout a longitudinal axis, such as axis 610 (FIGS. 51-52B), in allrespects other than with respect to elongate longitudinal recesses 618.

As noted hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 51-52B, the rearwardhousing portion 602 includes an externally-threaded portion 603 at arearward end 604 thereof, a rearward conduit 611 extending forwardly ofrearward end 604 thereof, and an elongate generally circularlycylindrical inner rod 612 at a forward end thereof.

The inner rod 612 is preferably formed with a rearward portion 614having a rearwardly facing end 615 and a forward portion 616 having aforwardly facing end portion 617, rearward portion 614 having a circularcross section of a diameter greater than that of the cross section offorward portion 616.

It is clearly seen in FIG. 53C that the elongate generally circularlycylindrical inner rod 612 is preferably formed with at least twoelongate longitudinal recesses 618 extending from rearwardly facing end615 to slightly rearward of forwardly facing end portion 617.

Rearward housing portion 602 also includes a forwardly facingcircumferential recess 645 which surrounds part of elongate generallycircularly cylindrical inner rod 612 about axis 610. Circumferentialrecess 645 includes a relatively narrow rearward portion 646 defining afirst forwardly facing circumferential surface 647, and a relativelywide forward portion 648 defining a second forwardly facingcircumferential surface 649. Rearward housing portion 602 also includesa forwardly facing ring surface 650, and an inner cylindrical wallsurface 651 intermediate surfaces 649 and 650.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 54A and 54B, which illustrate resilientselectably compressible biasing (RSCB) element 620 forming part of thefluid flow connector 600 of FIGS. 51-52B in an uncompressed orientation.As seen in FIGS. 54A and 54B, RSCB element 620 is an integrally formedelement, preferably formed of silicone rubber, which is symmetric abouta longitudinal axis, such as axis 610 (FIGS. 51-52B). RSCB element 620is preferably formed with a rearward end surface 652 and a forward endsurface 654.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 55A and 55B, which illustrate forwardconduit and actuator element 636, forming part of the fluid flowconnector 600. Forward conduit and actuator element 636 is preferablyformed with a generally truncated conical forward section 668 andincludes interior bore 637 having inner facing surface 638, forwardlyfacing edge 639, and a rearwardly facing flange 640. A rearwardly facingcircumferential surface 642 is defined by flange 640 for engagement withRSCB element 620.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 56A & 56B, which illustrate forwardhousing portion 606 (FIGS. 51-52B) of the fluid flow connector 600.Forward housing portion 606 preferably includes a generally cylindricalforward body portion 670 having rearwardly tapered mutually spacedgenerally axial ribs 672, and a generally cylindrical rearward bodyportion 674.

As seen in FIGS. 56A & 56B, forward housing portion 606 is an integrallyformed element which is generally symmetric about a longitudinal axis,such as axis 610 (FIGS. 51-52B), in all respects other than with respectto generally axial ribs 672. As noted hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 51-52B, the forward housing portion 606 includes aninternally-threaded portion 608 at a forward end thereof and a rearwardend surface 676. Internally-threaded portion 608 terminates rearwardlyat a circumferential shoulder 678.

Forward housing portion 606 also includes a rearward conduit 680 whichextends forwardly from rearward end surface 676 of forward housingportion 606 along axis 610.

As seen clearly in FIGS. 56A & 56B, rearward body portion 674 has anexterior diameter lesser than that of forward body portion 670, therebydefining a rearwardly facing circumferential shoulder 682, and anexterior cylindrical wall surface 684.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 57A, 57B, 57C, 59A and 59B, which aresimplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 600 in aclosed operative orientation, and to FIGS. 58A, 58B, 60A and 60B, whichare simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 600in an open operative orientation in engagement with a female luerportion 699.

Referring initially specifically to FIGS. 57A, 57B, 57C, 59A and 59B, itis seen that RSCB element 620 is maintained in a non-compressed stateand is held in place between rearward housing portion 602 and forwardconduit and actuator element 636, which is in turn retained againstforward movement by forward housing portion 606. Forward housing portion606 and rearward housing portion 602 are welded together, as byultrasonic welding.

As seen clearly in FIGS. 57A-57C, rearward end surface 676 of forwardhousing portion 606 lies against forwardly facing circumferentialsurface 649 of rearward housing portion 602, exterior cylindrical wallsurface 684 of forward housing portion 606 lies against innercylindrical wall surface 651 of rearward housing portion 602, and thatrearwardly facing circumferential shoulder 682 of forward housingportion 606 lies against forwardly facing ring surface 650 of rearwardhousing portion 602.

It is also seen in FIGS. 57A-57C that rearward end surface 652 of RSCBelement 620 is seated against forwardly facing circumferential surface647 of rearward housing portion 602, and that forward end surface 654 ofRSCB element 620 engages rearwardly facing circumferential surface 642of forward conduit and actuator element 636.

As seen clearly in FIGS. 57A & 57B, the at least two elongatelongitudinal recesses 618 of inner rod 612 and the inner facing surface638 of interior bore 637 of forward conduit and actuator element 636define at least two longitudinal fluid flow conduits 686 therebetween.Forward sealing of longitudinal fluid flow conduits 686 is provided bysealing engagement of forwardly facing end portion 617 of cylindricalinner rod 612 with the inner facing surface 638 of interior bore 637 offorward conduit and actuator element 636.

It is appreciated that the fluid flow connector 600 in the state shownin FIGS. 57A, 57B, 57C, 59A and 59B is capable of maintaining apressurized fluid seal for pressurized fluid in longitudinal fluid flowconduits 686 and rearward conduit 611 of rearward housing portion 602.

Reference is now made specifically to FIGS. 58A, 58B, 60A and 60B whichare simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 600in an open operative orientation in engagement with a female luerportion 699.

It is seen that threaded engagement of the female luer portion 699 withthe internally-threaded portion 608 causes forward conduit and actuatorelement 636 to be rearwardly displaced. It is noted that forward endsurface 654 of RSCB element 620 is engaged by rearwardly facingcircumferential surface 642 of element 636, rearward displacement ofwhich is operative to rearwardly compress RSCB element 620 againstforwardly facing circumferential surface 647 of rearward housing portion602.

It is seen that rearward displacement of forward conduit and actuatorelement 636 causes inner facing surface 638 of interior bore 637 to moverearwardly out of engagement with forwardly facing end portion 617 ofcylindrical inner rod 612, thereby allowing fluid communication betweenfluid flow conduits 686 and female luer portion 699.

It is appreciated that the fluid flow connector 600, in the state shownin FIGS. 58A, 58B, 60A and 60B, provides a fluid flow connection forfluid supplied via rearward conduit 611 and fluid flow conduits 686, asby a male luer or a syringe, to female luer portion 699.

Reference is now made to FIG. 61, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a fluid flow connector constructed and operative inaccordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, andto FIGS. 62A and 62B, which are simplified respective pictorial andsectional exploded view illustrations of the fluid flow connector ofFIG. 61, FIG. 62B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 62A.

As seen in FIGS. 61, 62A & 62B, there is provided a fluid flow connector700 including a housing assembly including a rearward housing portion702, having an externally-threaded portion 703 at a rearward end 704thereof, and a forward housing portion 706 having an internally-threadedportion 708 at a forward end thereof. Rearward and forward housingportions 702 and 706 are preferably arranged along a common longitudinalaxis 710 and are preferably snap fitted together.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 63A-63D, it is seen that the rearwardhousing portion 702 is an integrally formed element which is generallysymmetric about a longitudinal axis, such as axis 710 (FIGS. 61-62B),but has certain non-symmetric structural features as describedhereinbelow.

Rearward housing portion 702 is preferably formed with a rearwardportion 712 extending forwardly of externally-threaded portion 703thereof and with a generally cylindrical portion 714 extending forwardlyof rearward portion 712 and joined thereto by a generally annular wall715. An elongate generally conical hollow forwardly open shaft 716extends forwardly along axis 710 interiorly of generally cylindricalportion 714. Formed in externally-threaded portion 703, rearward portion712 and shaft 716 is a forwardly tapered conduit 718.

Wall 715 defines a forwardly facing surface 720. Forward of forwardlyfacing surface 720 of wall 715 there is provided a forwardly extendingrotation limiting protrusion 722 which lies adjacent shaft 716 along apart of the periphery thereof.

Formed on opposite forward edges of forwardly tapered conduit 718 are apair of cut-outs 724 which extend to a forward edge 726 of shaft 716.Formed on an outer surface of shaft 716, rearwardly of cut-outs 724 andforwardly of a forwardly facing surface 720 of wall 715, is an annularprotrusion 728.

Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 64A-64D, which illustrateforward housing portion 706 (FIGS. 61-62B) of the fluid flow connector700. Forward housing portion 706 preferably includes a generallycylindrical main body portion 730 and a generally cylindrical rearwardbody portion 732, having an annular recess 734 configured for snap fit,rotational engagement with annular protrusion 728.

Forward housing portion 706 also includes an elongate generally conicalhollow forwardly closed shaft 736, which extends forwardly along axis710 mainly interiorly of generally cylindrical main body portion 730 anddefines an outer generally conical surface 737. Formed in shaft 736 is aforwardly tapered volume 738, which is sized to rotationally andsealingly accept shaft 716 of rearward housing portion 702, when annularprotrusion 728 is in snap fit engagement with annular recess 734.

Formed on opposite forward sides of forwardly tapered conduit 738 are apair of cut-outs 744 which extend to a forward wall 746 of shaft 736.Formed rearwardly of rearward body portion 732 of forward housingportion 706 is a rotation limiting portion 748 having a rear wall 750which slidingly engages forwardly facing surface 720 of wall 715 ofrearward housing portion 702 and cooperates with forwardly extendingrotation limiting protrusion 722 of the rearward housing portion 702 tolimit the extent of mutual rotation of the forward and rearward housingportions 706 and 702 respectively about axis 710.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 65A, 65B, 65C, 66A and 66B, which aresimplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 700 in aclosed operative orientation, and to FIGS. 65D, 65E, 67A and 67B, whichare simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 700in an open operative orientation in engagement with a female luerportion 799.

Referring initially specifically to FIGS. 65A, 65B, 65C, 66A and 66B, itis seen that annular protrusion 728 is in snap fit engagement withannular recess 734 and that forward edge 726 of shaft 716 lies inengagement with a rearwardly facing surface of forward wall 746 of shaft736. Cut-outs 724 of shaft 716 are not aligned with cut-outs 744 ofshaft 736. Mutual sealing of shaft 716 within volume 738 of shaft 736thus seals conduit 718, rendering it capable of maintaining apressurized fluid seal for pressurized fluid therein.

Reference is now made specifically to FIGS. 65D, 65E, 67A and 67B, whichare simplified sectional illustrations of the fluid flow connector 700in an open operative orientation in engagement with a female luerportion 799. It is seen that threaded engagement of the female luerportion 799 with the internally-threaded portion 708 causes frictionallocking engagement between an inner conical surface of female luerportion 799 with outer generally conical surface 737, thereby rotatingforward housing portion 706 about axis 710 relative to rearward housingportion 702. This rotation continues until mutually facing surfaces ofrotation limiting protrusions 722 and 748 come into touching engagement.At this point, cut-outs 724 of shaft 716 lie in alignment with cut-outs744 of shaft 736, thereby opening conduit 718 and permitting fluid flowtherethrough.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present inventionincludes both combinations and subcombinations of various featuresdescribed hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereofwhich are not in the prior art.

1. A fluid flow connector comprising: a housing assembly having a firstend and a second end arranged along a common longitudinal axis; and aresilient fluid flow conduit member disposed within said housingassembly, said resilient fluid flow conduit member having a forward enddisposed alongside said first end of said housing assembly, said forwardend being formed with a selectably closable slit and with at least oneside opening; said resilient fluid flow conduit member beingpositionable in a closed position wherein said slit is closed but saidat least one side opening is open; and said resilient fluid flow conduitmember being positionable in an open position, thereby allowing saidslit to open and leaving said at least one side opening open, wherebywhen said resilient fluid flow conduit member is in said open position,said selectably closable slit and said at least one side opening eachprovide a fluid flow pathway between an interior of said resilient fluidflow conduit member and said first end of said housing assembly.
 2. Afluid flow connector according to claim 1 and wherein said resilientfluid flow conduit member is arranged for displacement between saidclosed position and said open position along said common longitudinalaxis.
 3. A fluid flow connector according to claim 1 and wherein saidselectably closable slit extends along said longitudinal axis.
 4. Afluid flow connector according to claim 1 and wherein said first end isan internally threaded end and said second end is an externally threadedend.
 5. A fluid flow connector according to claim 1 and wherein said atleast one side opening extends generally perpendicularly to saidlongitudinal axis.
 6. A fluid flow connector according to claim 1 andwherein said resilient fluid flow conduit member is pre-tensioned andthereby urged to said closed position.
 7. A fluid flow connectoraccording to claim 6 and wherein said resilient fluid flow conduitmember is displaceable, against the urging produced by its beingpre-tensioned, to said open position.
 8. A fluid flow connectoraccording to claim 1 and wherein said resilient fluid flow conduitmember includes: a displacement engagement location formed rearwardly ofsaid forward end for engagement of said resilient fluid flow conduitmember by a displacement actuator to provide rearward displacement ofsaid resilient fluid flow conduit member relative to said housingassembly along said longitudinal axis; a generally cylindrical portionextending rearwardly of said displacement engagement location and havinga forward part and a rearward part; and a radially outwardly extendingtensionable connecting portion integrally joined to said generallycylindrical portion at a joining location rearwardly spaced from saiddisplacement engagement location intermediate said forward part and saidrearward part.
 9. A fluid flow connector according to claim 8 andwherein said tensionable connecting portion terminates in a generallycircularly cylindrical mounting portion.
 10. A fluid flow connectoraccording to claim 9 and wherein said generally circularly cylindricalmounting portion is locked within said housing assembly intermediatesaid first end and said second end.
 11. A fluid flow connector accordingto claim 1 and wherein: said resilient fluid flow conduit member isformed with an elongate bore which defines a fluid flow conduit; andsaid slit and said at least one side opening communicate with saidelongate bore.
 12. A fluid flow connector according to claim 11 andwherein when said resilient fluid flow conduit member is positioned insaid closed position, said forward end engages a forward conduit havinga forwardly facing aperture, thereby closing said slit but leaving saidat least one side opening open for fluid communication between aninterior of said resilient fluid flow conduit member and an exterior ofsaid resilient fluid flow conduit member within said forward conduit,thereby sealing said forwardly facing aperture.
 13. A fluid flowconnector according to claim 12 and wherein when said resilient fluidflow conduit member is positioned in said open position, said forwardend does not engage said forward conduit, thereby allowing said slit toopen and leaving said at least one side opening open for fluidcommunication between said interior of said resilient fluid flow conduitmember and said exterior of said resilient fluid flow conduit memberwithin said forward conduit and thereby unsealing said forwardly facingaperture.
 14. A fluid flow connector according to claim 12 and whereinsaid forward conduit is formed with an interior bore having a forwardlytapered portion.
 15. A fluid flow connector according to claim 14 andwherein when said resilient fluid flow conduit member is positioned insaid closed position, said forward end sealingly engages said forwardlytapered portion of said interior bore, thereby squeezing said forwardend transversely to said longitudinal axis and thereby closing said slitand sealing said forwardly facing aperture but leaving said at least oneside opening open for fluid communication between said interior of saidresilient fluid flow conduit member and said exterior thereof withinsaid interior bore of said forward conduit.
 16. A fluid flow connectoraccording to claim 14 and wherein when said resilient fluid flow conduitmember is positioned in said open position, said forward end isrearwardly positioned out of engagement with said forwardly taperedportion of said interior bore, thereby unsealing said forwardly facingaperture, and thereby allowing said slit to open and leaving said atleast one side opening open, thereby providing fluid communicationbetween said elongate bore of said resilient fluid flow conduit member,said exterior of said resilient fluid flow conduit member, said interiorbore of said forward conduit and said forwardly facing aperture, bothvia said slit and via said at least one side opening.
 17. A fluid flowconnector according to claim 8 and wherein said displacement actuator isarranged to be displaced rearwardly along said longitudinal axis byengagement therewith of a rearwardly facing end of an external conduit,which engages said first end. 18-23. (canceled)
 24. A fluid flowconnector according to claim 14 and wherein said resilient fluid flowconduit member is formed with a sealing ring extending radially outwardtherefrom, slightly rearwardly of said forward end.
 25. A fluid flowconnector according to claim 8 and wherein said resilient fluid flowconduit member is formed with a radially outer sealing surface extendingradially outward from a rearward end thereof.
 26. A fluid flow connectoraccording to claim 25 and wherein said housing assembly includes arearward conduit extending forwardly from said second end.
 27. A fluidflow connector according to claim 26 and wherein said radially outersealing surface of said resilient fluid flow conduit member and an innerfacing surface of said rearward conduit are in slidable sealingengagement, said sealing engagement preventing fluid which enters saidfluid flow connector via said rearward conduit from entering a volumerearward of said connecting portion, thereby preventing said volume fromacting as a “dead space” which could undesirably retain said fluid. 28.A fluid flow connector according to claim 24 and wherein said sealingring of said resilient fluid flow conduit member and said interior boreof said forward conduit are in slidable sealing engagement, said sealingengagement preventing fluid which passes through said slit and said atleast one side opening from entering a volume within said interior borerearward of said sealing ring, thereby preventing said volume fromacting as a “dead space” which could undesirably retain said fluid. 29.A fluid flow connector according to claim 27 and wherein said slidablesealing engagement between said radially outer sealing surface of saidresilient fluid flow conduit member and an inner facing surface of saidrearward conduit and said slidable sealing engagement between saidsealing ring of said resilient fluid flow conduit member and saidinterior bore of said forward conduit together maintain a pressurizedfluid seal for pressurized fluid in said rearward conduit and in saidresilient fluid flow conduit member.
 30. (canceled)
 31. A fluid flowconnector comprising: a housing assembly having an externally threadedend and an internally threaded end arranged along a common longitudinalaxis at opposite ends thereof; and a resilient fluid flow conduit memberdisposed within said housing assembly and arranged for displacementalong said common longitudinal axis, said resilient fluid flow conduitmember defining a fluid flow pathway extending interiorly thereof alongsaid longitudinal axis between a rearward end thereof adjacent saidexternally threaded end of said housing assembly and a forward endthereof adjacent said internally threaded end of said housing assembly;said resilient fluid flow conduit member having at least one opening atsaid forward end thereof, enabling fluid communication between saidfluid flow pathway and a location outside of said forward end; saidresilient fluid flow conduit member having a displacement engagementlocation formed rearwardly of said forward end for engagement of saidresilient fluid flow conduit member by a displacement actuator toprovide rearward displacement of said resilient fluid flow conduitmember relative to said housing assembly between a closed position andan open position along said longitudinal axis; said resilient fluid flowconduit member having a generally cylindrical portion extendingrearwardly of said displacement engagement location and having a forwardpart and a rearward part; and said resilient fluid flow conduit memberhaving a radially outwardly extending tensionable connecting portionintegrally joined to said generally cylindrical portion at a joininglocation rearwardly spaced from said displacement engagement locationintermediate said forward part and said rearward part.
 32. A fluid flowconnector according to claim 31 and wherein said tensionable connectingportion terminates in a generally circularly cylindrical mountingportion.
 33. A fluid flow connector according to claim 32 and whereinsaid generally circularly cylindrical mounting portion is locked withinsaid housing assembly intermediate said internally threaded end and saidexternally threaded end.
 34. A fluid flow connector according claim 31and wherein said resilient fluid flow conduit member defines a generallyincompressible fluid flow pathway extending axially along an interiorthereof between said rearward end thereof and said forward end thereof.35. A fluid flow connector according to claim 31 and wherein said atleast one opening at said forward end thereof comprises a selectablyclosable slit extending along said longitudinal axis.
 36. A fluid flowconnector according to claim 35 and wherein when said resilient fluidflow conduit member is positioned in said closed position, said forwardend engages a forward conduit having a forwardly facing aperture,thereby closing said slit, thereby sealing said forwardly facingaperture.
 37. A fluid flow connector according to claim 36 and whereinwhen said resilient fluid flow conduit member is positioned in said openposition, said forward end does not engage said forward conduit, therebyallowing said slit to open and thereby unsealing said forwardly facingaperture.
 38. A fluid flow connector according to claim 31 and whereinsaid resilient fluid flow conduit member is pre-tensioned and therebyurged to said closed position.
 39. A fluid flow connector according toclaim 38 and wherein said resilient fluid flow conduit member isdisplaceable, against the urging produced by its being pre-tensioned, tosaid open position.
 40. (canceled)
 41. A fluid flow connector accordingto claim 36 and wherein said forward conduit is formed with an interiorbore having a forwardly tapered portion.
 42. A fluid flow connectoraccording to claim 41 and wherein when said resilient fluid flow conduitmember is positioned in said closed position, said forward end sealinglyengages said forwardly tapered portion of said interior bore, therebysqueezing said forward end transversely to said longitudinal axis andthereby closing said slit.
 43. A fluid flow connector according to claim41 and wherein: said resilient fluid flow conduit member is formed withan elongate bore which defines a fluid flow conduit, and when saidresilient fluid flow conduit member is positioned in said open positionsaid forward end is rearwardly positioned out of engagement with saidforwardly tapered portion of said interior bore, thereby unsealing saidforwardly facing aperture, allowing said slit to open, thereby providingfluid communication between said elongate bore of said resilient fluidflow conduit member, an exterior of said resilient fluid flow conduitmember, said interior bore of said forward conduit and said forwardlyfacing aperture, via said slit.
 44. A fluid flow connector according toclaim 31 and wherein said displacement actuator is arranged to bedisplaced rearwardly along said longitudinal axis by engagementtherewith of a rearwardly facing end of an external conduit, whichengages said internally threaded end.
 45. A fluid flow connectoraccording to claim 41 and wherein: said forward end is formed with aforwardly tapered portion and a tip portion, forwardly of said forwardlytapered portion of said forward end, said tip portion having an ovalcross section, which is compressible into a circular cross section; andsaid at least one opening extends through said forwardly tapered portionof said forward end and through said tip portion.
 46. A fluid flowconnector according to claim 45 and wherein when said resilient fluidflow conduit member is positioned in said closed position, axialpressure engagement of said forwardly tapered portion of said forwardend with said forwardly tapered portion of said interior bore of saidforward conduit is operative to squeeze said forward end of saidresilient fluid flow conduit member transversely to said longitudinalaxis, thereby closing said slit and changing a generally ovalconfiguration of said forwardly tapered portion of said forward end to agenerally circular configuration.
 47. A fluid flow connector accordingto claim 46 and wherein when said resilient fluid flow conduit member ispositioned in said open position, elimination of axial pressureengagement of said forwardly tapered portion of said forward end withsaid forwardly tapered portion of said interior bore of said forwardconduit causes said forward end of said resilient fluid flow conduitmember to no longer be squeezed transversely to said longitudinal axis,thereby allowing said slit to open and allowing said forwardly taperedportion of said forward end to return to said generally ovalconfiguration.
 48. A fluid flow connector according to claim 41 andwherein: said resilient fluid flow conduit member is formed with aradially outer sealing surface extending radially outward from saidrearward end thereof; and said radially outer sealing surface of saidresilient fluid flow conduit member and an inner facing surface of arearward conduit extending forwardly from said externally threaded endare in slidable sealing engagement, said sealing engagement preventingfluid which enters said fluid flow connector via said rearward conduitfrom entering a volume rearward of said connecting portion, therebypreventing said volume from acting as a “dead space” which couldundesirably retain said fluid.
 49. A fluid flow connector according toclaim 48 and wherein: said resilient fluid flow conduit member is formedwith a sealing ring extending radially outward therefrom, slightlyrearwardly of said forward end; and said sealing ring of said resilientfluid flow conduit member and said interior bore of said forward conduitare in slidable sealing engagement, said sealing engagement preventingfluid which passes through said slit from entering a volume within saidinterior bore rearward of said sealing ring, thereby preventing saidvolume within said interior bore from acting as a “dead space” whichcould undesirably retain said fluid which passes through said slit. 50.A fluid flow connector according to claim 49 and wherein said slidablesealing engagement between said radially outer sealing surface of saidresilient fluid flow conduit member and said inner facing surface ofsaid rearward conduit and said slidable sealing engagement between saidsealing ring of said resilient fluid flow conduit member and saidinterior bore of said forward conduit together maintain a pressurizedfluid seal for pressurized fluid in said rearward conduit and in saidresilient fluid flow conduit member. 51-224. (canceled)